HC Deb 25 February 1935 vol 298 cc762-3
25. Major HILLS

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has inspected, or caused to be inspected, any automatic fire-damp detectors when in actual operation in a coal mine; and whether he is yet in a position to recommend the instalment in coal mines of any such detectors?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I have personally inspected automatic detectors in operation. I gave formal notice last month of my proposal to make general regulations requiring the provision of firedamp detectors of approved types for use by workmen in safety lamp mines. When these regulations are established, the choice of the type of detector to be provided, whether automatic or otherwise, will rest with the management of each mine concerned. Automatic detectors are already being installed in some mines on a voluntary basis and on this aspect of the matter I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given in reply to a question which he asked on 26th November last.

Major HILLS

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the recommendation of the use of automatic detectors will be carried into effect?

Mr. BROWN

In reply I would only say that there will be automatic detectors on the first approved list after the regulations become operative.