§ * SIR CHARLES DILKEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any official information explaining the increasing number and proportion of persons injured in metalliferous mines, and whether ho expects to be able to introduce a Metalliferous Mines Bill.
§ * MR. RITCHIEThe Returns of nonfatal accidents reported in metalliferous mines do not show an increase in the number of persons injured—on the contrary, there appears to be a decrease. No doubt these figures are open to the same objection as the figures of nonfatal accidents in coal mines, but the figures of fatal accidents, which are, I believe, thoroughly trustworthy, show similar results. The death-rate in metalliferous mines was lower last year than in any previous year since the statistics began in 1873. As to legislation, I have a Bill in draft, and should be 786 glad of a favourable opportunity of introducing it, but the right hon. Baronet will recognise that the question is full of difficulties, and it has to be remembered that the number of persons employed in metalliferous mines is not in itself large, and is not increasing.
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKEHas the right hon. Gentleman had his attention called to the figures on which my Question is based—those in Dr. Oliver's book?
§ * MR. RITCHIEI cannot say that I have read the book, but I am aware of the figures, of course.