§ 29. Mr. JOHN ROBERTSONasked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the increased number of fatal and non-fatal accidents in recent 1174 years on the haulage roads of the mines; and whether he intends to take any steps, to ensure greater safety?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Lieut.-Colonel Lane-Fox)The number of accidents of this kind reported has, I am glad to say, decreased, and not increased, during recent years, but it is still very high, and I am anxious to see it reduced further. Many haulage accidents are attributable every year to forgetfulness and the taking of unnecessary risks, due, in some cases, no doubt, to over-keenneess. I am very hopeful that the safety first campaign in the mining industry, which my Department has been endeavouring to promote, and which now seems to be getting well under way, will, in time, if it is energetically pursued, do a great deal to reduce the number of avoidable accidents in this and other mining operations. I am not so hopeful as to the possibility of bringing about any substantial reduction in the number of haulage accidents by further legislation or administrative action, but the matter is receiving consideration, and I am always glad to receive any definite suggestions.
§ Mr. ROBERTSONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when this question was under discussion in July last year, his predecessor in office, looking at the alarming number of accidents on haulage ways, practically admitted that there would be some inquiry into this matter?
§ Lieut-Colonel LANE-FOXYes, Sir; there has been a considerable amount of inquiry.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that the best and most efficient means of reducing the number of accidents in mines will be when deputies are paid by the State, and are free to exercise their best judgment in the mines?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a new question, which ought to be put down.