§ 13. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet appointed a committee to watch the progress of the new lighting order in mines; and, if so, can he state the personnel?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe administration of the Mine Lighting Regulations of 1934, is proceeding satisfactorily and there is no need to appoint a committee. If, however, the hon. Member has in mind the Regulations relating to firedamp detectors, which came into force on 1st October of this year, and were limited as to their operation to a period of two years from that date, I would remind him that the undertaking given was that towards the end of that period, a committee would be set up to study the working of the Regulations in the light of experience, and to make recommendations. In view of the short time which has elapsed since the Regulations came into force, the appointment of this committee now would be premature.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the Secretary for Mines suggest that no committee is to be appointed until two years have elapsed? If so, what information does he expect to get as to the use of oil for automatic gas detectors?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKOne can get a certain amount of information by setting up a committee, but I do not think it is necessary to set up one much before the time I have mentioned.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIn view of the persistence of colliery explosions, ought not the committee to be in existence long before two years have expired in order to influence colliery managers to make use of these automatic gas detectors?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKWe have had only two and a-half months so far.