§ 21. Mr. CHARLES BROWNasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that William Arthur Palmer, of 62, South Avenue, Rainworth, Notts, was the victim of a fatal accident at Rufford Colliery on Saturday, 16th February, at 12.30 p.m., that this man worked the afternoon shift on Friday, 15th February, and did not leave the pit on that day till 11.15 p.m., and that he was back at work at 6.30 a.m. on the morning on which the fatal accident occurred; and whether, in view of these facts and the breach of the regulations involved, he will have special inquiry made by his inspectors into the causes of this fatality?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe circumstances of this accident were examined on 18th February—within two days of its occurrence—by one of His Majesty's inspectors and also workmen's inspectors appointed Under Section 16 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and, in view of the reports received, I do not consider that any further special inquiry is called for.
§ Mr. C. BROWNIs the hon. Gentleman not aware of the growing practice in the Nottingham coalfields of working two shifts in 24 hours? Does he not think that the abnormal fatigue incurred by that is to be deprecated as likely to result in accidents, and will he have some further investigation made into the matter?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThat is a wider question. As the hon. Member knows, I am giving attention to the whole matter, but this particular case is a rather difficult one. If he cares to discuss it with me, I shall be glad to give him the details.
§ Mr. T. SMITHDoes not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that it is a deliberate violation of the Mines Act if the statements in the question are correct?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI have said that the case is a difficult one, and I am quite prepared to discuss it with the hon. Member.
§ 23. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Secretary for Mines how many visits were made to the Rufford Colliery, Notts, during 1934 by His Majesty's inspector for mines?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe number of visits was 14, of which 12 were made for the purpose of underground inspection, and two for inspection on the surface.