§ 69. Mr. STEPHEN MITCHELLasked the Secretary for Mines if he, is aware that some of the smaller concerns which employ men underground are not connected with the Post Office telephones; and if, in order that expert medical assistance and additional life-saving appliances could be more rapidly obtained, he will consider the advisability of making the installation of telephones in all mines compulsory?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI am entirely in sympathy with the object of this proposal, and, for the most part, effect has already been given to it under existing 2012 regulations; but it is hardly practicable to make it a rule without exception. There are small mines so isolated that the installation of the public telephone is impracticable, and, at others, a standing arrangement for the use of a neighbouring telephone in ease of need, meets the situation.