§ 2. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines how many collieries are providing protective equipment against accidents, i.e., helmets, shin-guards, leather gloves, etc., for their employes; and whether they are provided free of cost to the workmen?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe introduction of this kind of protective equipment for the prevention of accidents is still in its early stages. The progress made is encouraging, but details of all the pits where such equipment is under trial or in regular use have not been collected. Much work on the design, manufacture and trial of different patterns has been necessary and is still proceeding, and I hope the use of such equipment will rapidly extend as its advantages are appreciated. A general report on the matter is included in the Annual Report of the Safety in Mines Research Board for 1933, which will be published shortly. There is no settled practice as to supply. At some pits the articles are supplied free, at some others the cost is shared between owners and workmen, and some workmen are providing their own hats, gloves or boots.
§ Mr. TINKERCan the hon. Gentleman not urge upon the employers the provision of this equipment free?
§ Mr. BROWNAt the moment I am more anxious to get good will behind this movement, which is in its early stages and is rapidly extending. I should not like to do anything to prevent good will.
§ Mr. T. SMITHIs the hon. Gentleman aware that at some collieries the fact that the men are being charged for this equipment is causing dissatisfaction and retarding progress?
§ Mr. BROWNI know there are difficulties, but the chief mining engineer of the Safety in Mines Research Board is giving attention to the matter and at the exhibition at Buxton a special section is set apart for further improvement.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONCan the hon. Gentleman say in greater detail what steps the Department are taking to encourage the use of protective equipment?