HC Deb 08 November 1928 vol 222 cc219-20
48. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Prime Minister, whether, since the issue of the Report on the use of the guss in coal mines, the Government have agreed to prohibit such use?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. The Government could contemplate such action only if the guss were proved to be detrimental to health or safety. The Committee specifically advises that the guss does not cause any permanent injury or lasting detriment to health, that it is extremely effective for its purpose, and that in certain circumstances its use is practically unavoidable.

Mr. HARDIE

Does the Prime Minister, who brought this Committee into being, think that the£386 which the inquiry cost is well spent in proving that the men are not so much on their hands and knees as on their fingers and toes, and will he make a personal trial of the guss, with a box without wheels, just to see how easy it is?

Mr. G. PETO

Is it not the case that the Report of this Committee entirely disproved and contradicted the serious allegations made by Socialist, Members of Parliament as to the harm done by the guss?