§ DR. HUTCHINSON (Sussex, Rye)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the observations of Dr. Haldane at an inquest held on a Cornish miner at Bisson, to the effect that rock drill is dangerous and should be done by use of the water jet; and, if so, will he take steps to make the use of the water jet compulsory in all metalliferous mines in the Transvaal.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and LeamingtonI have not seen
†See (4) Debates, cxxxiv., 268.39 Dr. Haldane's observations referred to, but I have read an interesting paper by Mr. Francis Fox. M.I.C.E., on this subject, and I also learn from the Home Office that the inquiry which has been made into miners' phthisis in Cornwall by Dr. Haldane, Mr. Martin, and Mr. Thomas, is now completed, and that their report, which deals with the precautions to be observed in the use of rock drills, will be issued very shortly. I shall at once bring it to the notice of the Transvaal Government. I would at the same time point out that this subject has for some time engaged the earnest attention of the Transvaal Chamber of Mines, who have offered prizes for the best practical suggestions and devices for dealing with the matter.