§ 83. Mr. ALLEN PARKINSONasked the Secretary for Mines at how many collieries in Great Britain the pit ponies have not been brought to the surface during the present stoppage, and the number of ponies still underground; and whether he will take steps to compel all 302 colliery owners to bring all ponies to the surface until a settlement is arrived at?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAbout 4,000 ponies are being kept underground, at about 100 mines. I have no power to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the hon. Member's question. The care and treatment of all the animals still underground are, I am advised, satisfactory.
§ 84. Mr. PARKINSONfurther asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that 17 ponies are still in the mines at Ladyshore Colliery, near Bolton, Lancashire; that they are being attended to only once in every 24 hours, i.e., between 5 and 7 a.m. each day; and that on 3rd April, when the general manager asked the miners' agent if he could help to get the ponies withdrawn, immediate permission was given for men to work to comply with his request to have the ponies brought out; and, in view of the fact that they are still in the mine, will he take immediate steps to compel the general manager to bring all ponies to the surface until a settlement is arrived at?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am aware that 17 ponies are still underground at Ladyshore Colliery. They have been inspected by one of the Department's Inspectors of Horses, and were found to be in good condition. They are fed twice a day, and cleaned and exercised daily. I have no information as to what passed between the general manager and the miners' agent on 3rd April. I have no power to compel anyone to bring ponies to the surface, so long as the care and treatment below ground be satisfactory.