§ 20. Mr. JOHNasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will now give the result of his inquiry into the causes of the high rate of accidents at the Bedwas Colliery for the years 1934 and 1935?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThorough investigation has been made and the divisional inspector reports that, in 1853 general, the high accident rate at Bedwas Colliery during 1934 and 1935 is mainly attributable to very adverse natural conditions, particularly heavy gradients and bad roof. Efforts have been made by the management to combat these difficulties, and the colliery has been visited by inspectors of mines more than 100 times during the past two and a half years. I am glad to say that a considerable improvement has been effected probably due in part to the greater regularity of working. Further improvement is hoped for in view of alterations in the haulage arrangements which will shortly become effective.
§ 21. Mr. JOHNasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now give information as to whether examination of the mine at the Bedwas Colliery is being done by workmen's inspectors; and how many examinations were made in the years 1934 and 1935?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) on 18th June.