§ 30. Mr. TINKER (for Mr. GORDON MACDONALD)asked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries working in Lancashire and Cheshire at the latest date for which figures are available?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)At 16th April, 195 pits were producing coal in Lancashire and Cheshire.
§ 31. Mr. TINKER (for Mr. MAC-DONALD)asked the Secretary for Mines the number of Government inspectors employed in the Lancashire and Cheshire coalfield, and the number of underground inspections made during the latest 12 months for which figures are available?
§ Mr. FOOTThe total inspectorate in the North-Western Division, which includes Lancashire and Cheshire, consists of 15 whole-time inspectors and three who also have duties in other divisions. In Lancashire there are six whole-time inspectors of mines in addition to the divisional inspector and two others who have responsibilities elsewhere. The Cheshire collieries are dealt with by inspectors who are mainly employed in North Staffordshire. The number of underground inspections in Lancashire and Cheshire during 1931 was 1,395.
§ Mr. TINKERMay I ask whether these inspections were surprise visits, or whether notice is sent to the colliery company, and, if so, what length of time is given?
§ Mr. FOOTI cannot answer as to the length of time given, but some of these inspections are by arrangement. Where an offence is anticipated it would be a surprise visit.
§ 32. Mr. TINKER (for Mr. MAC-DONALD)asked the Secretary for Mines 214 the number of accidents on the coal face in Lancashire and Cheshire during each of the last three years ended 31st March, 1932?
§ Mr. FOOTThe numbers of fatal and non-fatal accidents due to falls of ground at the coal face in Lancashire and Cheshire during the years 1928, 1929 and 1930 were 3,174, 3,384 and 3,209 respectively. The number during 1931 will be available in about a month's time. I regret that separate particulars for the coal face are not 'available with respect to any other class of accidents.