HC Deb 02 July 1914 vol 64 cc535-7
31. Mr. BRACE

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that there has been a colliery at Blaina, Monmouthshire, employing several hundred workmen, at a standstill for weeks in consequence of the workmen having lost confidence in some of the colliery officials, against whom it is alleged that they did not carry out in a proper and efficient manner their official duties as promised by the Coal Mines Regulation Act; if His Majesty's inspectors of mines have reported this case to him; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in connection with the business?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, Sir. I have had before me a Report in this case from the divisional inspector, who advised me that several breaches of the Act had been committed. I have instructed the Director of Public Prosecutions to take proceedings accordingly against the several persons responsible.

Mr. CHARLES DUNCAN

When are the proceedings likely to take place?

Mr. McKENNA

Instructions were given a fortnight ago. I have asked for information as to when the proceedings are likely to begin, and I have not yet had an answer.

Mr. DUNCAN

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, as there are several hundreds of men standing idle, whether the right hon. Gentleman will take means to expedite the matter so as to get these men to work?

Mr. McKENNA

I can assure the hon. Member that I have done so.

32. Mr. BRACE

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the Arrail Griffin Colliery, Six Bells, Monmouthshire, is at a standstill because of alleged defective lamps, the workmen declining to go into the mine with them; and that recently in the Rhymney Valley hundreds of workmen were idle for the same reason; have these cases been reported to him by His Majesty's inspectors of mines; and what action, if any, he proposes to take to prevent workmen's lives and limbs being endangered through the use of defective lamps in the mines?

Mr. McKENNA

The Divisional Inspector informs me that the Arrail Griffin Colliery case has not been brought to his notice, but he will make inquiry. As regards the other case, in the Rhymney Valley, I presume my hon. Friend refers to the stoppage of work last month at the Bargoed Colliery. The Inspector reports that he inquired into this case, and found that the safety lamps in use at the mine were of approved types which had passed the Home Office tests. The sole question was as to the maintenance of the lamps in good condition, and as to the locking apparatus, fitting of glasses, etc. When the Inspector visited the mine, representatives of the men were examining all the lamps, and had set aside twelve lamps because they had too much "play" when locked; this did not show they were actually unsafe, but that they required repair, or to be discarded as worn out. The Inspector believes the necessary steps are being taken by the management to see that the lamps are kept in good order, and are carefully examined as required by the Act.

Mr. C. DUNCAN

Has there been any undertaking given by the managers that the lamps would be attended to?

Mr. McKENNA

An undertaking is not necessary or would be asked of them: it is their duty under the Act to take care.