§ 4. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received any further communications from the Mining Association regarding the use of automatic gas detectors; and, if so, has he any statement to make to the House?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKYes, Sir, and as a result I have arranged to discuss the matter with a deputation from the Mining Association shortly after Easter.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman noticed that recently the Mining Association offered a prize for an automatic gas detector, and does he not think that that is merely sidetracking the law passed last year?
§ 5. Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the report of a gas detector constructed by Engineer J. B. Pronin, which has passed all tests, the principle of which is that a bell, siren, or horn announces 2570 the accumulation of gas to a degree sufficient to endanger life; and will he give this detector a trial?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI have not received any report regarding the gas detector referred to, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member would send me further particulars.
§ 6. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Secretary for Mines whether, as a result of the regulation dealing with the compulsory use of gas detectors underground, any new type of automatic detector has been submitted to the Department for investigation and approval?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo new types of automatic detectors have been submitted to my Department for investigation and approval since the Firedamp Detector Regulations came into operation. One such instrument has, however, been undergoing tests and modifications during a considerable period, and further tests of an improved model of that instrument are now being made.