§ 84. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied with the progress being made under the new Coal Mines Lighting Order, 1935; and how many collieries have installed a complement of automatic gas detectors since the Order came into force?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI presume that the hon. Member is referring to the Regulations relating to firedamp detectors, which came into force on 1st 259 October, 1935. The type of detector generally installed under these Regulations is the flame safety lamp, and the proper observance of the Regulations has been specially investigated by the inspectors and continues to be watched. An automatic firedamp detector has also been approved under these Regulations, and a considerable number had already been installed at various pits, particularly in the Midlands, before the Regulations came into force, but I am informed that since 1st October, apart from a few repeat or trial orders, no colliery has installed any appreciable number of these detectors.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with the way the colliery companies are dealing with automatic firedamp detectors?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am not myself satisfied with the progress that has been made in regard to this experiment, and I am in communication with the Mining Association about it.
§ Mr. D. L. DAVIESIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the largest number of detectors are flame lamps and that flame lamps are an unreliable means of detecting firedamp; and in view of that fact, will he not alter the Regulations to insist upon automatic gas detectors?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKAt present an experiment is being carried out with regard to automatic firedamp detectors.
§ Mr. T. SMITHIs it the intention of the Department to appoint the committee which the hon. and gallant Gentleman talked about when these Regulations were before the House?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThat will depend upon the kind of reply I get from the Mining Association. It is no good setting up a committee before there is something to investigate.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWhen communicating with the Mining Association will the hon. and gallant Gentleman emphasise to the mineowners that practically all the lamps in use at Gresford Colliery were shown to be flame lamps?
§ Mr. HARDIEWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman inform those who have the idea that safety lamps should be of 260 a kind which allow men to work in gas, that the best are those which detect the presence of gas so that the men can get away before there is an explosion?