HC Deb 24 July 1923 vol 167 cc212-3
35. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has yet considered the question of amending Section 77 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act in reference to pit-head baths; if not, will he consider the question as early as possible in the light of his recent experiences when visiting collieries where pit-head baths have been established; and will he assure the House that legislation will be introduced at an early date to make provision of baths compulsory at all new collieries?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply that I gave on the 12th June to the hon. Member for Cannock (Mr. W. M. Adamson), but the hon. Gentle- man may rest assured that the desirability of the further extension of the provision of pit-head bathe will not be lost sight of.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that 1923 values have made the 1911 Act in regard to pit-head baths obsolete? Is he not aware that there is a growing demand throughout the whole coalfield for pit-head baths and that it is the duty of his Department to cultivate that demand?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better make that speech later on.

Mr. T. SMITH

Arising out of that reply—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better await the Debate this afternoon.