§ 7. Mr. HIRSTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increased cost of materials, owners are still bound to provide pit-head baths, even if the cost of maintenance exceeds 3d. per week for each workman?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Under Section 77 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, which deals with the matter, the owner is not required to provide baths if the estimated total cost of maintenance exceeds 3d. per week for each workman affected.
§ Mr. HARTSHORNHaving regard to the fact that Mr. Justice Sankey made recommendations in favour of solving this problem, does the Government propose to do anything to change that position?
§ Mr. SHORTTI do not know that I am able to make any definite statement on that point.