§ 33. Mr. J. GUESTasked the Secretary for Mines what is the depth of the deepest coal mine shaft in Great Britain now being worked; and what is the greatest distance from the shaft or pit bottom where men are now employed?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXNine hundred and ninety-three yards is at present the greatest distance that men are raised and lowered for the purpose of coal-getting; and the greatest distance that any workings lie from the pit bottom is about four miles.
§ Mr. GUESTCould not the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what is the maxi- 2212 mum distance of which his Department approves of for men working at the shaft bottom?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI cannot answer that question without notice.
§ Mr. PALINGWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what the colliery was that has a depth of 933 yards?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXThe Parsonage pit in Lancashire.
§ Mr. GUESTCould the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether there is any maximum depth now provided by law?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI am afraid I cannot; I should like to have notice.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it right, Mr. Speaker, that mining Members should be putting questions to the Minister of Mines that he knows absolutely nothing about?