§ 63. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the statement made by the coroner who conducted the inquest on the victims of the Wath Main Colliery disaster, to the effect that the impression left on his mind by the evidence was that the tests made for the detection of gas by colliers and deputies might be improved upon and that testing for gas by flame lamps might be supplemented by the use of mechanical devices; and, if so, will he state what steps he has taken or proposes to take to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. TURNERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I do not feel at liberty to comment on the recent explosion at Wath Main Colliery pending the statutory public inquiry which is to be held by the Chief Inspector of Mines. But, speaking generally, I may say that all tests for gas by colliery deputies are by law required to be made with a flame safety lamp; I am advised that this is by far the best available instrument for the purpose because it is intrinsically more reliable and has a wider range and variety of functions than any of the other 2726 gas-testing instruments as yet devised; and none of these instruments is at all likely to displace the flame safety lamp. Nevertheless, I am anxious to explore fully the question of their practical utility and reliability, more particularly in connection with the position of workmen using electric lamps, which in themselves are useless for detecting mine gases; and I am, therefore, as my hon. Friend is aware, making arrangements with the object of securing more extensive and practical underground trials of electric safety lamps fitted with a device for detecting firedamp. I am glad to say that these arrangements are making progress, and I will see that my hon. Friend is kept in touch with developments.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs my hon. Friend aware that the observations of the coroner are highly important, in view of the fact that at least one Government Department is using a certain gas alarm, that another Department recommends it, and that 50 important local authorities are using it, and does the hon. Gentleman not think that the Mines Department might make much better use of it?
§ Mr. TURNERAll the points raised by my hon. Friend are having attention by the Mines Department and the specialists concerned.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the Department consider the advisability of attempting to get a practical test in one of the mines which are closed down?
§ Mr. TURNERAbout 12 mines are already testing the special gas detector to which the hon. Gentleman alludes.
§ Mr. DAVID GRENFELLDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that the repeated mine disasters of the last few months prove that a great deal of gas escapes detection in many of the mines in this country?
§ Mr. TURNERI am aware of the point raised by my bon. Friend, and the Department is using all its endeavours and energies towards overcoming the problem.