HC Deb 12 June 1934 vol 290 cc1511-3
2. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Secretary for Mines when the new code of regulations for mine lighting is to be put into force; and what the effect of these regulations will be?

Mr. E. BROWN

These regulations were formally made on 1st June, and will be published with an explanatory memorandum in the course of a few days.

The general effect of the regulations will be to facilitate and require a substantial improvement in mine lighting. All safety lamps used at the working face and for other specified work in the face area must satisfy higher standards of candlepower, and these standards must be reasonably maintained in pit service. On haulage roads a carefully controlled extension of fixed electric lights is permitted subject to new conditions designed to ensure safety against the risk of explosion; and whitewashing at junctions, passbyes and other important traffic points, as well as machinery rooms, is made compulsory. Other provisions of the regulations deal with lighting at the surface and at shaft insets and sidings.

One part of the regulations comes into force on 1st July and the other parts on 1st September, except that a period is allowed for the replacement of the large number of safety lamps now in use which fall short of the new lighting standards.

I take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the effective work done in many quarters—some outside the industry itself—which has combined to make possible a measure which I believe will prove to be a notable one in the history of health and safety legislation.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House what the standard of comparison is or what period of time is allowed during which the improved standard will come into operation?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member had better wait the publication of the regulations for an answer to his first supplementary question. The period allowed for replacement of existing lamps is two years four months from the 1st September; that is, until the 30th December, 1936.

Mr. GRENFELL

When the Minister is substituting lamps of higher lighting power for lamps of less illuminating power, will be make provision, where electric lamps are substituted for oil lamps, that there is a sufficient number of oil lamps or automatic gas protectors installed?

Mr. BROWN

There are other regulations dealing with that point to be considered.

Mrs. WARD

Has any appeal been made to arbitration by either masters or men?

Mr. BROWN

No, as the time allowed under the law has elapsed.

Mrs. SHAW

Will the new system of lighting prevent nystagmus?

Mr. BROWN

That is one of the reasons for it.