34. Mr. GUESTalso asked the Secretary for Mines the maximum time allowed, beyond the seven hours per shift for coal-winding, for the purpose of lowering the men into the mine before the shift and also for withdrawing them after the shift is over; and whether he can say what are the average times allowed, for pits employing a 1,000 men or over, for the purpose of lowering or winding men?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXThe longest approved winding time is 90 minutes. As regards the second part of the question, I cannot give the average for the country as a whole, but the averages in the different inspectoral divisions vary from 26 to 55 minutes.
Mr. GUESTIs it not a fact that in the collieries where the winding time allowed is 90 minutes, that it is possible for the men to be in the colliery 10 hours without any breach of the Act; and is it not a fact, further, that if the average time for the larger collieries were given, the bulk of the men employed are actually called upon to spend 8 hours or more in the pit.
§ Colonel LANE-FOXNinety minutes is a very exceptional case. The hon. Member will see from my answer that the average time is a good deal less than that.
Mr. GUESTMy question was meant to suggest that I want an average for the 2213 pits that really count: pits where the bulk of the men are employed. The hon. and gallant Gentleman has not given that average.
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI was giving what information I had at my disposal. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will explain to me in conversation exactly what he wants, and I will certainly try to get him the information.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the hon. Gentleman give the name of the colliery where an hour and a-quarter is allowed for changing time? Is he not aware that at the average colliery the miner now spends between 7¾ to 8¼ hours underground?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI could not at this moment give the name asked for. I know it is in Yorkshire; but I will try and get the information for the hon. Gentleman.