HC Deb 15 March 1927 vol 203 cc1829-30
29. Mr. WHITELEY

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the names of the collieries and the districts where they are still using the guns for coal haulage of wheelless tubs?

Colonel LANE FOX

There are 17 collieries, all in the Somerset coalfield. I will circulate their names in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. WHITELEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to get facilities for the early passage of the Bill on the Order Paper to-day—Coal Mines (Abolition of Wheelless Tubs) Bill, in order that this old and degrading system may be abolished?

Colonel LANE FOX

Any question as to the business of the House should not be addressed to me.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman enable hon. Members to realise what this system means, by providing photographs showing the abominable conditions under which these people are working in the mines?

Mr. HARDIE

As the right hon. Gentleman has said that these men are all in Somerset, is he aware that there are two mines in Wales where that system is employed?

Colonel LANE FOX

No, Sir. I was not aware of that.

Mr. HARDIE

How is the right hon. Gentleman going to become aware of it? When a question is put down asking for definite information, it means, if the Department cannot give the information, that they are neglecting their duties in not being able to report on the conditions of the mines [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]

The following is the list of mines in the Somerset Coalfield:

Forward to