§ 35. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines if his Department keep a record of abandoned mines where the accumulation of water in them is likely to be a danger to adjoining mines that are working; and, if so, what steps are taken to ascertain the depth of water in them?
§ Mr. E. BROWNTo assist in dealing with the problems of water dangers, my Department has compiled and published in five large volumes a catalogue as comprehensive as possible of plans and other records of abandoned mines. This is kept up to date by the publication of an annual supplement. A qualified surveyor is specially employed for this work. At mines where there is likely to be danger from accumulations of water in neighbouring workings, the statutory responsibility for taking the necessary precautions rests on the management; and the inspectors of mines make from time to time such inspections and inquiries as are necessary for the proper administration of the law. Usually it is not possible to ascertain the depth of water in abandoned mines unless the water comes up the shafts, but in cases where the head of water can be ascertained and where also it is relevant to the question of safety, the inquiries made by the inspectors cover that point.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESMay we take it from that answer that, although the facts are known to the Mines Department, it is possible for one mine to be flooded by another and the Department has no authority to prevent the flooding of a mine by a mine that is already closed?
§ Mr. BROWNI should have to make a long statement about the law in reply to that question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.