§ 11. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Secretary for Mines the position with regard to the objections lodged against the suggested regulation for the compulsory use of gas detectors underground?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)Negotiations are still proceeding, and no decision has yet been reached. I will let the hon. Member know as soon as I am in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. SMITHCan the hon. Gentleman say whether a panel of referees has been 176 appointed at any time under the Coal Mines Act, 1911; and, in case the negotiations on this matter break down, will he submit the case to a referee?
§ Mr. BROWNThat depends upon the discussions which are now proceeding on certain draft regulations.
§ Mr. SMITHDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the Coal Mines Act, 1911, lays it down that, in the event of an objection being lodged against any regulation issued by the Secretary for Mines, it shall be submitted to a panel of referees, or to a referee? I am asking him whether, since the Act was passed in 1911, a panel of referees has ever been set up for this purpose?
§ Mr. BROWNIf objections are taken and negotiations follow, of course the referee must be called in if arbitration is necessary.