66. Mr. W. JOSEPH STEWARTasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider appointing safety officers at the large collieries in the federated areas for the purpose of investigating all accidents and suggesting remedies, making routine inspections to ascertain that the provisions of the Coal Mines Acts are being strictly observed, imparting instruction to boys on entering the mines, and keeping in touch with them until they have become accustomed to mining conditions?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIf I understand the suggestion rightly it would involve greatly increasing the number of Government inspectors and enlarging their duties by transferring to them part of the statutory responsibilities of the mine owner and management. The whole question of the proper scope of Government inspection is being considered by the Royal Commission on Safety now sitting.
Mr. STEWARTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the managers of the collieries where these safety officers are employed are agreed that accidents are less than they would have been without those officers; that they place great confidence in these officers and are very pleased at such appointments?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKYes, Sir. I think that is probably a very fair statement of the case and that it is valuable evidence, such as the Royal Commission when making their recommendations, will undoubtedly have in mind.