§ 2. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of accidents that have happened on the coal face where machinery is used, i.e., coal cutters and conveyors, during the 12 months for which he has the latest figures; and how this compares with the coal face where there are no machines?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTI regret that the statistics asked for are not available, and I am afraid that it is not possible to find any reliable basis of general comparison between the safety of machine work and of hand work at coal faces.
§ Mr. TINKERWill the hon. Gentleman see if something can be done with the inspectors to try to get this information?
§ Mr. FOOTI should be glad to consult the hon. Member. He will know that there are practical difficulties in getting the strictly comparable figures for which he asks.
§ 3. Mr. EDWARD WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to take steps for the transfer of deputies and firemen now engaged by colliery companies to the Mines Department as a means by which accidents in and about mines may be reduced and for the maintenance of the men so transferred out of revenue accumulated by a levy on royalties?