HC Deb 21 April 1931 vol 251 cc769-70
5. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary for Mines how many coal conveyors were in use underground in the coal mines of Great Britain in December, 1930; how many tons they will carry over a given period; and will he give corresponding figures for 1924?

Mr. SHINWELL

During 1930 the number of conveyors in use at the coal face was 2,991 and elsewhere below ground 756. No information is available as to the total capacity of these conveyors, but the quantity of coal so conveyed in 1930 was 421 million tons. Similar figures for 1924 are not available, except that the number of face conveyors then in use was 1,373.

Mr. TINKER

Can my hon. Friend tell me what county has shown the greatest increase since 1924?

Mr. SHINWELL

If the hon. Member will put down that question, I will give a reply.

Mr. FREEMAN

Can my hon. Friend say if these conveyors are proving highly satisfactory and how many mines now use them entirely to the exclusion of pit ponies and horses?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a question which had better be put upon the Paper.

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