HC Deb 22 July 1909 vol 8 cc612-3
Mr. MARKHAM

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that His Majesty's inspectors of mines have granted to colliery owners in connection with the Mines (Eight Hours) Bill periods for winding men greatly in excess of the time actually required; whether he will say what his instructions to the inspectors on this question have been; whether he has given directly or indirectly any latitude to the inspectors to fix periods in excess of the periods actually required; and whether, seeing that these excess periods of winding defeat the object of the Mines (Eight Hours) Bill, he will direct the inspectors to fix the actual time required and no longer?

Mr. GLADSTONE

No, Sir, I am not aware that the inspectors of mines have allowed times for winding greatly in excess of what is actually required. The question of the times to be allowed was by my direction considered by the inspectors at their annual meeting in May, and they unanimously recommended that the times should be calculated for each mine on the basis of the time necessary for lowering in full cage loads and without intermission, the number of men employed in the shift, with an addition of 25 per cent, for contingencies. I approved this recommendation. It is obvious that, on the grounds both of safety of winding and the practical working of the mines, some margin must be allowed. Should the times allowed prove in any case to be longer than is reasonably necessary, they will be revised by the inspector.

Mr. MARKHAM

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the actual time taken in winding?

Mr. GLADSTONE

The time varies according to the conditions of every mine. If the hon. Gentleman will give specific cases I will inquire whether the time allowance was too long.

Mr. MARKHAM

I cannot give specific cases. I am asking the question on behalf of my Constituents. I cannot be a general blackleg for the Government.

Mr. GLADSTONE

I did not mean that. But perhaps the hon. Gentleman will assist me by giving me the information which he has.

Mr. MARKHAM

Is it not a fact that there is not a single case in the country in which the time has not been exceeded?

Mr. GLADSTONE

To that I give an unqualified denial.