§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary whether he will grant a Return showing the number of mines in Great Britain in which any of the face workings are more than one mile, and more than two miles, respectively, from the bottom of any shaft whereby access can be obtained to or egress from the pit?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)I am advised that a return containing the suggested particulars would be of no use, as the danger which my hon. Friend has in view does not turn on the mere question of distance. I will, however, consult my advisers as to whether it is possible to obtain in the form of a return information which would be of real assistance in dealing with this matter.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases in North Staffordshire men have to walk three miles to the bottom of the shaft, and that therefore escape is practically impossible?