HC Deb 20 December 1932 vol 273 cc886-7
6. Mr. MAXTON

asked the Secretary for Mines if, having regard to the large number of explosions in mines in recent times, he will insist on a wholesale renewal and extension of ventilating plant?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)

In reply to a supplementary question on 13th December I stated the annual numbers of explosions and deaths from explosions since 1927. A study of these and of earlier figures adds emphasis to the imperative need for our utmost vigilance and effort in the application and improvement of preventive measures, but it does not justify the inference that ventilating plant is generally obsolete or inadequate.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the majority of accidents occur when the workmen do not know that they are actually working in the presence of inflammable gas?

Mr. BROWN

That may be so, but my hon. Friend must also understand that ventilation is not just a matter of plant, it means many other things.

Mr. MAXTON

Is the hon. Gentleman's Department making a consistent study of this subject?

Mr. BROWN

I can assure my hon. Friend and the House that nothing that can be done is left undone. Our attention is given to the subject regularly, daily.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Has the hon. Gentleman any reason to think that less attention has been paid to ventilation than formerly?

Mr. BROWN

None whatever. If the hon. Gentleman will refer to the statement on 13th December, he will see that the full facts given there do not warrant the inference in this question.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that accumulations of fire damp can only occur when ventilation is stagnant?

Mr. BROWN

That may be so, but the hon. Member must also understand that the regular maintenance of airways, the methods of carrying air to all parts of the mine, and the prevention of leakage all enter into the question, and often inadequate ventilation is due to omissions or bad practice in these respects rather than to lack of plant.

Mr. BATEY

In view of the large number of explosions recently, does not the hon. Gentleman consider that the time has come to call together the Government inspectors for a cunsultation on ventilation?

Mr. BROWN

I will bear that point in mind.