§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the expression of opinion from Scotland, and to the character of the Scottish mines, he would consider as to exempting Scottish mines from the provisions of paragraph 1 (b) of Clause 32 of the Coal Mines Bill in regard to the use of safety lamps, under the exemption proviso contained in that paragraph?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe paragraph of the Clause referred to does not apply to any 2361 mine where naked lights are used until an explosion has occurred which has caused injury to a workman. It is only after such an explosion that the question of the exercise of the power of exemption given to the Secretary of State would arise, and each case will be considered on its merits. I am informed that it will be possible very greatly to reduce the number of such explosions by improving the ventilation of the mines, and a period of six months is being allowed to enable mine owners to make such improvements.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEMany of the explosions in Scottish mines are of a minor nature—they sometimes simply singe the brow, and do nothing else. Would they be deemed explosions under the Act?
§ Mr. McKENNANo; they must cause injury. I understand my hon. Friend to imply explosions which have not caused injury.