§ 36. Mr. POTTSasked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government will take 236 into further consideration the introduction of legislation prohibiting the use of electricity in all mines and substitute therefor compressed air in the interest of safety of life and security to plant?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)This matter is being considered by the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines, and consideration by the Government of the question of legislation must await the commission's report.
§ Mr. POTTSMay I ask whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman's mind is settled, or otherwise, within himself that accidents, where machinery of this nature is in operation, can fire gassy mines? Is his mind settled on that?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI do not think that this is a time for discussing my own mind, when a great deal of evidence is being collected on this subject. After that has been received, the matter will be considered.
§ Mr. G. HARDIEIs it not a fact that the evidence ought to be taken from those who have personal experience of these things happening in the mines, and not from people who have no title whatever from experience to decide?