HC Deb 02 July 1896 vol 42 c525
*SIR CHARLES DILKE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it will be possible, if the Coal Mines Regulation Act (1887) Amendment (No. 2) Bill should fail to pass, to frame new special rules under the Act of 1887, dealing with some or all of the matters specified in Clause 1 of the Bill in such a way that they will not be inconsistent with the general rules in Section 49 of the Act of 1887?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

I am advised that it is very doubtful whether it would be legally possible to enforce by special rules some of the precautions which the inspectors deem essential without the power which is proposed to be given in Clause 1 of the Bill.