HC Deb 29 May 1902 vol 108 cc902-3
MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state the number of deaths that are directly due to the use of electricity in mines or shafts since 2nd May 1901; and what course he purposes adopting to prevent this loss of life, in view of the development of electric power in mines.

* MR. RITCHIE

I can give the number of deaths in mines due to the use of electricity in the year 1901. There were four deaths in all—two caused by electric shock and two by machinery moved by electricity. All these accidents will be found described in the Inspector's Reports. The use of electric power in mines is being carefully watched by the inspectors, and in due time I shall be prepared to consider whether any steps ought to be taken with regard to it.

MR. MARKHAM

The same answer was given me last year. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during this year a large number of accidents have occurred, and will he have the matter inquired into at once?

* MR. RITCHIE

There were only four deaths last year, and that cannot be deemed to be a very large number.

MR. MARKHAM

There have already been twelve this year.

Then, Sir, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that Mr. A. H. Stokes, His Majesty's Inspector of Mines in the Midland District, in his Report for the year 1901, states that in a mine in his district, owing to short circuiting of a cable, an explosion of gas occurred which would have resulted in loss of life if any men had been working in the mine at the time, he is aware that accidents are constantly occurring in mines from the short circuiting of cables, causing in some instances fire in the mines; and that none of these accidents are reported to his Department except when an actual explosion, or injury, or loss of life occurs; and whether he has any power to insist upon colliery companies making a Return of all such accidents.

* MR. RITCHIE

I have no information as to the number of accidents caused by short - circuiting in mines, but the cases in which serious injury or loss of life have resulted have been very few. There is I no power to require owner's of collieries to report accidents caused by short-circuiting to the inspectors unless death or serious injury is caused, or an explosion is produced; but as I have already stated in reply to another Question, a Committee has been appointed by me to inquire into the general subject of the reporting of industrial accidents, and this and similar matters will no doubt be considered by them.