HC Deb 01 May 1923 vol 163 cc1161-2
35. Sir JOHN BUTCHER

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that 2,292 of the ponies employed in the mines of Great Britain in 1921 either died or had to be destroyed in consequence of injuries received, and that 1,933 either died or had to be destroyed owing to disease, and that 6,102 received non-fatal injuries, he will give directions that the recommendations made by His Majesty's Inspector of Mines for the Northern Division shall be carried out, namely, that no inexperienced person shall be allowed to take charge of a pony underground; that there should be a more rigid supervision of pony drivers so as to ensure attention to the details which make for the safety and comfort of the ponies; and that the condition of the roadways shall receive careful attention, so that when it is found that more height is required for the pony, this should be made in a proper manner, and not by merely digging holes between the sleepers?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Lieut.-Colonel Lane-Fox)

I would draw my hon. and learned Friend's attention to Section 45 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and paragraph 15 of the 3rd Schedule, which deal with the points mentioned. Inspectors of Mines keep these requirements prominently before those responsible, and no further directions, as suggested in the question, should be necessary.

Sir J. BUTCHER

In view of the special recommendations of His Majesty's Inspector of Mines for the Northern Division, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give directions that these provisions of the Act should be more strictly enforced?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

Instructions have already been given that the provisions of the Act should be fully enforced, but the recommendations of this inspector were merely suggestions as to how the general provisions of the Act should be specially carried out—they were not a request for new legislation or regulations.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will these recommendations he given effect to?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX

Yes, Sir. As far as I can secure it, they are being fully given effect to.

Mr. SEXTON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is mechanical haulage in use in some pits in place of the ponies?

Mr. CAIRNS

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman explain why, if there is more rigid supervision over pit ponies, 1,000 of them died of disease?