§ 59. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, owing to the mines of this country becoming more mechanised every year, the pace in the mines is faster than ever before; and whether he is satisfied that every appliance known to science is being adopted to prevent men losing their lives in getting the coal which is necessary for Great Britain?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, every effort has been and is being made to devise safety appliances and safety methods and to secure their adoption in the mines of this country, and I am hoping to receive the benefit of the guidance of the Royal Commission on Safety in regard to some of the difficult problems which are involved.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that everything is being done now to safeguard the lives of men who are getting coal, the most important commodity that we require in Britain at the moment?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo one can ever be satisfied fully on a question such as this, but I hope I shall have the support of the Press and hon. Members interested in these matters in giving full publicity to such information as appears in the official reports on this subject.