§ 50. Mr. ELLIS DAVIESasked the Home Secretary whether, following the statement made by Mr. Mottram, the chief inspector, in his Report for 1911 on the slate mines of North Wales, page 26, approving of two types of guards and stating that there seems to be now no reason why all slate-dressing machines should not be effectively fenced, he issued instructions for the fencing of such machinery; if so, whether objection is taken to the order by the employers on the ground that the guards recommended are unworkable; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAInstructions were issued to the owners to fence these machines, but objection is taken by the owners, and also I understand by the men, to the guards which have so far been devised. A conference has been held with the owners on the subject, and I am informed that they fully recognise the necessity of providing a suitable means of protection. The matter will continue to receive the attention of the Department, and I hope a satisfactory solution may be found before long.