§ 55. Captain SPENCERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make a statement with regard to recent developments and progress in the safety training of boys employed in and about coal mines?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)During the evening school sessions 1933–34, courses of safety instruction for pit lads were held at about 200 centres. Over 9,000 boys were enrolled, and about 5,200 of them completed the full course. At nearly all the centres safety badges or certificates to the total number of about 5,000 were awarded to boys who qualified in an oral examination conducted by a panel of independent examiners; and meetings for the public presentation of these awards were held in the locality or at the Buxton Research Station. As regards the new session, which commenced this autumn, 832 I am not yet in a position to give full information as to the numbers enrolled, but every effort is being made, with the co-operation of all sections of the industry, to develop this important work still further, and I confidently expect a substantial increase in the number of classes, more particularly in South Wales and Scotland.
§ Mr. T. SMITHCan the hon. Gentleman say whether there has been any holding up of this matter owing to lack of funds?
§ Mr. BROWNNo, Sir it is a matter of agreement between the local education authority and those concerned.
§ Mr. DAVID DAVIESCan the hon. Gentleman say whether, since the adoption of this means of conveying instruction, there has been any diminution in the accident rates among boys?
§ Mr. BROWNAs the lion. Member knows, this is an attempt to create a. safety mind in the young boys going into the pits, and it must be a long-range policy.