§ 22. Mr. WHITELEYasked the Secretary for Mines how many cases of employment of boys beyond the statutory period in coal mines during 1925, 1926 and 1927 have been reported to his Department?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)I am obliged to the hon. Member for postponing this question from last week, as this has enabled me to make inquiries of the divisional inspectors of mines before replying to it. The only case reported in which a boy under 16 years of age was kept below ground beyond the proper period occurred in 1927, and was due entirely to a fall on a haulage road.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. Member suggest that that is the only case in which boys have been compelled to work longer?
§ Commodore KINGI can only speak of this return.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that the inspectors all over the coal area pay no attention to the length of time boys are permitted to work?
§ Commodore KINGCertainly not. They go into the books, and they make their returns, and this is the only case reported.
§ Mr. PALINGAre we to understand that this is the only case that has occurred?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir; the hon. Member must understand, as I have said, that it is the only case reported.
§ Mr. PALINGThen do we understand that these cases do occur and are not reported to the Mines Department?
§ Commodore KINGNo, that must not be understood. If hon. Members know of other cases, and if they will bring them to my notice, I will make inquiries respecting them.
§ Mr. PALINGWill the hon. and gallant Member tell us why, if he knows that there are other cases, they are not reported?
§ Commodore KINGYes, but I am speaking of previous years; I am speaking of returns for the completed year.