§ 62. Mr. DAVID DAVIESasked the Secretary for Mines what experiments have been conducted by the Safety-in-Mines Research Board in connection with adiabatic compression ignition of firedamp; whether the results of such experiments have been published; and, if not, is it the intention of the board to publish them in the near future?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)Two principal series of experiments on the ignition of fire-damp air mixtures by adiabatic compression are being carried out by the Safety-in-Mines Research Board, the one series dealing with ignition by the sudden and simultaneous compression of a considerable volume of the mixture, and the other series dealing with the possibility of ignition by the rapid passage through the mixture of a compression-wave, such as is produced when an explosive is fired. An account of the first series of experiments was published in a paper read before the Midland Institute of Mining 1304 Engineers on 7th February—I will send the hon. Member a copy. The second series of experiments is not yet completed.
§ Mr. DAVIESIn view of the importance of these experiments, it is not advisable that the public should know about them, possibly through a publication from the Safety-in-Mines Research Department?
§ Mr. BROWNI will send the hon. Member a copy of Dr. Wheeler's admirable paper, and perhaps he will consult with me when he has read it.
§ Mr. LAWSONFor the information of the House, will the hon. Gentleman say whether we can take his reply as indicating that there is now a possibility of shot-firing being carried out without causing a flame?