HC Deb 14 July 1936 vol 314 cc1850-1
17. Mr. ELLIS SMITH

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider including some improvements in the miners' conditions when he introduces the next coal mines legislation, such as a pension scheme, shorter hours, and safety regulations?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)

As regards pensions, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Potts) on 27th May, of which I am sending him a copy. As to the hours of work, I would remind him that His Majesty's Government have declared their readiness to ratify the Geneva Convention of 1931 as soon as the other six countries named in the text of the Convention are prepared to do so simultaneously. With regard to health and safety, the hon. Member is no doubt aware that a Royal Commission is at present considering these questions, and it would not be proper for me to attempt to anticipate their conclusions.

Mr. SMITH

As the Government have announced that legislation will be introduced in the autumn dealing with the mining industry, will the Secretary for Mines before determining his policy take into consideration the report of the Samuel Commission?

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand that it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation in the autumn dealing with the mining industry? Can I have an answer?

Numbers of machines in use below ground in North Staffordshire during the years 1925 and 1930 to 1935.
Year. Coal-cutting machines. Mechanical conveyors. Loaders. Pneumatic picks. Drills for boring shotholes.
At coal face. Else-where. For coal getting. For ripping, etc.
1925 … … 280 41 Not available.
1930 … … 292 207 30 8 42 45 317
1931 … … 277 213 28 12 50 41 298
1932 … … 264 232 32 17 37 60 316
1933 … … 273 242 44 20 110 73 326
1934 … … 269 250 58 22 66 152 323
1935 … … 279 263 86 18 86 162 380