§ 56. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines if his Department have under consideration the question of making firemen or deputies (underground colliery examiners) directly responsible to the Mines Department and to be paid by them?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)I have been asked to reply. This proposal has been put forward on many occasions, but is one which cannot be adopted owing to its incompatibility with the principle of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, which holds the manager responsible for the safety and control of a mine.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, in view of the explosions arising from fire damp and the sad loss of life, mining communities are asking that greater care should be taken, and think that State firemen ought to be provided?
§ Dr. BURGINThe need for every possible precaution is quite understood by my right hon. Friend, but it is not thought that this is a suggestion which would conduce to that result.