§ 10. Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give this House particulars as to the accidents which occurred in the mines of Amiandos, Cyprus, on 28th March, 1928, as a result of which one worker was burned by electricity and two others killed by falls of rock, and of the accident which occurred in the mines of Skouriatissa, Cyprus, on or about 20th March, 1928, where one worker was killed and two injured by electricity; if he is assured that necessary safeguards are being taken by the inspector of mines for the Colony to prevent the recurrence of such disasters in the future; and whether any steps are contemplated to institute a code of laws and regulations governing working conditions in the island of Cyprus?
§ Mr. AMERYI have no information respecting these accidents. In 1925 a Mines Regulations Law was passed to make provision for the regulation and inspection of mines in order to ensure safety and proper working conditions, and for the payment of compensation to injured workmen. A Government Inspector of Mines was appointed to enforce the provisions of the law, and I think the hon. Member can rest assured that all practicable measures are being taken to prevent accidents. With regard to the last part of the question, I may add that in addition to the Mines law a law was recently passed regulating the hours of employment generally; and I understand that a Bill is to be brought before the Legislature at its present Session, to regulate the employment of children and young persons in industrial undertakings.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to obtain information about these accidents, as it may have a bearing on the carrying out of the laws in that part?
§ Mr. AMERYI have given the hon. Member all the information in my power, and at present I believe that everything is being done to watch over the possibility of accidents there.