§ 17. Mr. G. GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make special inquiry into the abnormal rise in 1003 fatal accidents in the Yorkshire division for the year 1935, which is 171, against 107 for 1934, although there are 24,012 fewer men working in the mines than in 1931?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKA close study of the regrettable increase in the number of fatal accidents in Yorkshire has already been made and the causes are fully analysed and discussed in the annual report of the Divisional Inspector for 1935 which has just been published. Without belittling in any way a set-back which must cause grave concern to all who have responsibilities for the safety of the mine workers of Yorkshire, it should be borne in mind that the number of persons killed in 1934, namely, 107, was exceptionally low. The average for the past 10 years is 154 and the figure for 1931, the year quoted by the hon. Member, was 163, while the figure of 171 for 1935 includes 29 deaths resulting from two explosions, the causes of which have been fully investigated.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the Minister aware that there are fewer miners working in Yorkshire at this moment than at any time in the last 10 years, and does he not think it requires something more than kindly and sympathetic expressions to relieve the situation?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKYes, Sir; so much more does it require that we have set up a Royal Commission to investigate the problem.
§ Mr. T. SMITHIs the Secretary for Mines satisfied that in this division there are sufficient inspectors to inspect the mines adequately?
§ Mr. LEVYIs the Minister also aware that the Yorkshire mineowners are doing their utmost to see that the mines are kept perfectly safe by the application of modern scientific appliances?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKAn answer is not required to all those expressions of opinion. As regards the inquiry of the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams), a question of that kind should be put upon the Paper.