§ 37. Mr. KELLYasked the Secretary for Mines what steps are being taken by his Department to catalogue abandoned tin mines; and do such steps include inspection by his Department before including mines in such catalogue?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)The catalogue of plans of abandoned mines has been prepared in the interests of safety, and is intended to assist owners of mines or those proposing to sink shafts to ascertain where plans of neighbouring abandoned mines can be inspected. For this purpose it is not necessary for the abandoned mines themselves to be inspected by my Department. It has been decided to publish the catalogue in sections as the work of examining and classifying the plans is completed in the different areas.
§ Mr. KELLYCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman give us any idea as to when these sections will be published?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir. Of course, it will be when the work of 354 examining and classifying the plans has been completed, and I hope that, will be before long. I do not think there will be any great delay.
Commander WILLIAMSWhat possibility is there of making a complete catalogue of these mines, some of which have been abandoned for over 2,000 years?