HC Deb 19 March 1923 vol 161 cc2058-9
11. Mr. GAVAN DUFFY

asked the Secretary for Mines how many prosecutions have been instituted by the Ministry against the mine owners or their agents for allowing the illegal use of dry rock-drills in the iron-ore mines in West Cumberland; and the result of such prosecutions?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

The use of dry-rock drills is illegal only when drilling in ganister, hard sandstone, or other highly silicious rock, the dust from which is likely to give rise to fibroid phthisis. So far as our knowledge goes at present, these conditions do not obtain in the West Cumberland iron-ore mines, and, therefore, no prosecutions have been instituted by my Department against owners or agents of iron-ore mines in which such drills are used. As I informed the hon. Member, in reply to his question on 7th March, I am now taking further advice on the matter.

Mr. DUFFY

Is the House to assume from the reply that the use of dry rock-drills in limestone and ironstone mines is legal?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

As far as I am informed, it is.

Mr. HARDIE

Is it not a fact that in boring in these iron sections there are 10 chances to one in travelling 10 feet of getting a rock which will give a greater spark?

12. Mr. DUFFY

further asked the Secretary for Mines if he can give a reference to any inquiry of any sort which has been specifically made into the effect upon the workers of the use of dry rock-drills in the iron-ore mines in West Cumberland; and will he lay copies of such Report or Reports upon the Table of the House?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

I am not aware of any inquiry other than that referred to in my reply to the hon. Member on the 7th March. I shall be happy to send him a copy of the information obtained and communicated to the Department by the doctor who made the inquiry.

Mr. DUFFY

Would the hon. Gentleman reply really to the question whether there was any inquiry into the use of dry rock-drills in the iron-ore mines, and the effect on the men?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

As I say, I am not aware of any other inquiry than the medical inquiry.