HC Deb 22 February 1927 vol 202 cc1553-4
31. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons employed underground in coal mines under the age of 16?

Mr. SAMUEL

The number of persons under 16 years of age employed underground in coal mines at the end of 1926 was approximately 25,000. The total number of persons employed was then approximately 920,600 and is now 1,001,000, but I have no later figures giving an age classification.

Mr. TINKER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that boys under the age of 16 are working on night shifts from nine o'clock to five o'clock on the following morning, and can he amend the Act in order to put those boys in the same position as the boys working on the surface, who are not allowed to work those hours?

Mr. SAMUEL

I will mention that matter to the Secretary for Mines.

Dr. VERNON DAVIES

Are children allowed to work underground without previous medical examination, and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that they have to undergo a medical examination similar to that which children have to undergo under the Factory Acts?

Mr. SAMUEL

I will see that my hon. Friend's question is put before the right Department.