HC Deb 12 June 1934 vol 290 cc1513-4
3. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary for Mines how many inspections have been made this year at the Arley Mine, Parsonage Collieries, Leigh; and will he give the date of the last one and the conditions prevailing, dry and wet bulb temperature readings?

Mr. E. BROWN

Four inspections have been made in this seam by His Majesty's Inspectors of Mines during the present year, the latest being on 17th May. On that occasion the temperatures at the face in the deepest part were 104° to 106° dry bulb, 80° to 83° wet bulb. These readings indicate that the air was relatively dry, and its cooling power was found to be good. Efforts are being continued to reduce the temperature of the workings, and work is in progress with a view to improving still further the ventilation at the face.

Mr. TINKER

When the inspector makes an examination does he make any inquiries from the management as to the effect which the temperature has on the men where any men have been overcome by the heat and have to be brought out?

Mr. BROWN

The inspector will take everything into consideration when he makes an examination. Four examinations have been made during the present year.

Mr. TINKER

Is the Minister aware that yesterday a case was heard before the court of referees, in which a man had fainted twice and had to be brought out on both occasions and was once unconscious for two hours; and that the court of referees granted him unemployment pay, which goes to prove that the man was justified in not working in such conditions?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member had better put that down.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

When they are investigating the effects of higher temperatures in the deep mines, will they also pay special attention to the effect of increased atmospheric pressure on the health of the men?

Mr. BROWN

That is done. There is a committee under a distinguished chairmanship which has given continuous examination to this subject for years, and there are several reports.

Mr. PIKE

Is the number of men affected taken into consideration?

Mr. BROWN

The number of men is very large.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I have a letter here from the secretary of the branch of the Miners' Union, and is it not the case that in this particular mine it is so hot that they cannot get the horses to work right up to the face where this man fainted as a result of the heat?

Mr. BROWN

The factor which is taken into consideration as regards the health of the men is not the dry bulb temperature, but the wet bulb, and, as I have said in previous replies, it is the considered opinion that it is not adverse to the health of the men.