§ 58. Sir GEORGE GREENWOODasked the Home Secretary what are the qualifications required for special inspectors of horses and other animals in mines under Section 109 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911; whether they inspected the horses in each mine in their respective districts during the course of the last year for which Returns have been made;; how many mines in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, were left without any such inspection during that period; whether notice is given on each occasion of the intended inspection or do they make surprise visits; and whether any inspections were made of mines in Ireland?
§ Sir G. CAVECandidates for the post of horse inspector must be thoroughly experienced in the care and treatment of horses and other animals in mines, and must have had practical acquaintance with the conditions under which work is carried on underground. They are also required to show that they have a sufficient general education. In the year 1915 the horse in- 1617 spectors in England and North Wales inspected 916 mines, leaving 96 unvisited. The corresponding figures for South Wales were 288 and 287. I am making inquiry as to the figures for Scotland. As regards South Wales, in view of the heavy nature of the work there, a second horse inspector was appointed in October, 1915, so that the figures for 1915 do not represent the present position. Only one mine in Ireland employs horses. This was visited by one of the ordinary inspectors. The Instructions direct that, as a general rule, inspections shall be made without notice. The only exception allowed to this rule is in cases where the presence of the manager or some other official of the mine may be essential for the purpose of the inspector's inquiry. In such cases short notice may be given.
§ Sir G. GREENWOODAre there seven or eight horse inspectors now inspecting mines?
§ Sir G. CAVEI think there are seven special inspectors, but the ordinary inspectors also make inspections of mines.
§ Sir G. CAVEYes; certainly he ought to do so, and he does do so, if possible.
§ Sir G. CAVEThe hon. Member will notice that there were 916 inspections.
§ Mr. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman satisfy himself by examination that the number of inspectors is sufficient?
§ Sir G. CAVEI will make it. my business to do so at the earliest opportunity.
§ Mr. BUTCHERWhen are the figures for 1915 to be published?
§ Sir G. CAVEI cannot answer as to the exact date, but I have no doubt it will be soon.
Mr. CHANCELLORHow often are the mines supposed to be inspected in one year—two or three times each?
§ Sir G. CAVESome of them are inspected several times, and I think the figures I have read show that practically every mine is visited at least once a year.