§ 1. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department contemplates making a return upon the use of timber as against steel props in British mines?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)A good deal of information as to the extent of the use of steel supports is already given in the annual reports of the divisional inspectors. The question of collecting such information on a general basis is under consideration.
§ Mr. HARDIEWill that give more definite information as to the use of steel as against wood for the safety of the miners?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe question of getting that information is being considered.
§ Mr. HARDIEWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman ascertain also the information as to what kind of prop the miner prefers for his own safety?
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHWill my hon. and gallant Friend do all he can to encourage mineowners to adopt modern methods?
§ Mr. E. J. WILLIAMSWill the Royal Commission which is now sitting consider this matter?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI cannot answer for the Royal Commission, but as it is investigating all matters of safety, I think this question is bound to be within its purview.
§ 3. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints that men working at the coal face have to go long distances to get the timber necessary for their safety; and will he have inquiries made through His Majesty's inspectors of mines to see that this matter receives due attention?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo complaints have been made to me recently and only a few isolated complaints have been received by the divisional inspectors. These were dealt with and I have no reason to think that the matter is not already receiving proper attention.
§ Mr. TINKERIs not the change of system causing some difficulty owing to the timber being taken the length of the face, and will the Minister instruct inspectors to pay close attention to this matter and to see that it is carried out?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe inspectors do pay careful attention to it, and I am aware of the consideration that the hon. Member puts forward.