§ 65. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to enforce in the Lanarkshire coalfield the Regulations made under Section 85 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, for the provision of rescue and ambulance appliances and the formation and training of rescue brigades?
§ Mr. McKENNAA circular was sent out, earlier in the year to the owners who had not complied with the Rescue Order. A reply was received from the Lanarkshire owners to the effect that immediate steps would be taken to comply with the provisions generally of the Order, but contending that the provision of smoke helmets fed with fresh air by a tube and bellows was a sufficient compliance with the requirement as to portable breathing apparatus. The Home Office cannot accept this view, and the steps to be taken for enforcing the. Home Office opinion are now under consideration. The matter has been unavoidably delayed by the work in connection with the settlement of the general regulations, but will now be pressed on as rapidly as possible.