§ 2. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to a number of fatalities in mines on the haulage roads caused through the low roof which has allowed but a bare clearance above wagons; and whether he will consider amending the Mines Act to give a clearance of at least two feet above the wagon?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)I am advised that it would not be practicable to enforce a general requirement of the kind suggested by the hon. Member, and moreover, that it is a sudden variation in clearance, 976 rather than its absolute amount, which is most apt to result in accidents.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that just recently in Lancashire—in the St. Helens district—two fatal accidents have occurred from this cause, and that at the inquest the coroner drew attention to it; and does he not think that further means should be taken to prevent these accidents happening?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these conditions not only involve loss of life but great difficulty with regard to ventilation, and will he examine this question with a view to some remedy being found?
§ Mr. BROWNI do not think that such an examination is necessary. The point raised in the question of the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) is a general one, and it is to that point alone that I have addressed my reply.