§ 32. Sir ALEXANDER SPROTasked the Secretary for Mines in how many places pit-head baths for miners have been erected; and whether any have been provided in Scotland?
§ Colonel LANE FOXExcluding slipper baths, plunge baths, swimming baths and baths provided for officials only, 31 pithead bath installations had been completed by the end of 1926, and four were in course of construction. Three of the completed installations are in Scotland.
§ Sir A. SPROTHave any of these baths been provided since the passing of the Mining Industry Act of last year?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI understand there are no schemes completed under the Act. The Welfare Committee have started experimental sets of baths, but they have not actually developed their ideas.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes that mean that, despite the extra help given under the Act passed last year, no applications have been made?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe hon. Gentleman need not think anything of that sort.
§ Major Sir GRANVILLE WHELERIs it not a fact that in getting these estimates and making inquiries about the most approved type of pithead baths the Welfare Committee are now inquiring abroad so as to get the fullest and best possible information?
§ Colonel LANE FOXYes, Sir. I understand the Welfare Committee are working hard to develop the very best scheme they can for the benefit of all concerned, and that is the reason why there has been delay.
§ Mr. MAXTONIn reply to a previous supplementary question, did the right hon. Gentleman not say that he had nothing to do with other countries and that they did not come under his Department, and he is now answering a question about America?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI was answering a question about the work and the suggestions of the Miners' Welfare Committee, and if the hon. Member had listened to my answers he would have known that.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that it is the colliery owners who will have to build the baths rather than the Welfare Committee, and have they taken any steps in that direction?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe whole scheme is under the Welfare Committee, and I think it is very fortunate that it is.
§ Mr. PALINGWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many colliery companies have taken steps up to the present time?