§ 28. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of Mines whether the safety lamp is for the purpose of permitting men to work amongst gas, or whether it is simply to protect the men against the unexpected presence of gas?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXThe main purpose of the safety lamp is to provide light with security from the risk of ignition of gas by the lamp. The Coal Mines Act prohibits the employment of workers in any place where 2½ per cent, or more of firedamp is present; in the general body of the air.
§ Mr. HARDIEThe last answer was that there was gas present. How can the hon. and gallant Member now say the lamp has that function and that alone?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXAs the hon. Member knows, that is the very difficult question which has been referred to the Miners' Safety Lamp Committee, and I am expecting a Report.