§ 65. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the Parsonage Colliery, Leigh, Lancashire, has now attained a depth of over 4,000 feet at the working face and that the workmen are complaining of the excessive heat because of this depth; and will he have investigations made to find out if the conditions satisfy him that the Mines Act requires amending to meet the deep-mine problem?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe greatest depth at this colliery at the present time is about 3,850 feet. No complaints by workmen have been brought to the notice of my Department. As a result of intensive study it has been possible to effect some improvement of the working conditions in the district where the temperatures are highest, and all possible efforts will continue to be made to effect further improvement. As regards the question of amending legislation I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to previous questions on 11th July and 14th November last.
§ Mr. TINKERWill the hon. Member say when the inspectors last made an inspection of this colliery, and whether the report of the conditions was submitted to him? Is he aware that in other European countries they have a standard of temperature at certain depths?
§ Mr. BROWNI require notice of the first part of that question. I have offered to discuss this matter with the hon. Member, and I shall be glad to take the opportunity of doing so.
§ Mr. TINKERIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.