HC Deb 30 June 1936 vol 314 cc193-4
1. Mr. JOHN

asked the Secretary for Mines if any deductions arc made from the wages of the workmen employed at the Bedwas colliery towards paying for the services of the workmen's inspectors; will, he give particulars as to the weekly amount deducted from each workman; and the total sum from all employees for the years 1934 and 1935, respectively?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)

As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18th June to a question by the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar). As regards the last part of the question, I have no information.

2. Mr. JOHN

asked the Secretary for Mines with regard to the group-life insurance scheme at the Bedwas colliery, whether he will state the number of workmen contributing to the scheme, the weekly premiums paid by the employers and by the workmen, total contributions for the year 1935 by each respective party, and the number of claims paid and the number rejected in 1935; and whether a workman's or employer's representative acts as broker for the scheme?

Captain CROOKSHANK

These are not matters which concern my Department, and I have no information.

3. Mr. JOHN

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give particulars as to the number of workmen employed at the Bedwas colliery for the years 1934 and 1935; the number of fatal and nonfatal accidents in each of the above years; and how does the accident rate at the above colliery compare with the percentage of the coalfield?

Captain CROOKSHANK

In 1934, the average number of persons employed at Bedwas Colliery was 1,913 and six persons were killed by accidents and 438 others were injured and disabled for more than three days. The corresponding figures for 1935 were 1,924, three, and 459, respectively. The number of persons killed and injured per 100,000 manshifts worked was 87.5 in 1934, and 88.4 in 1935, as compared with 72.4 and 74.5, respectively, in South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Mr. JOHN

Does the Minister not think that, having regard to the fact that the number of accidents at Bedwas Colliery is higher than the percentage throughout the coalfield, that he ought to take steps to see that the inspectors make further inspections?

Captain CROOKSHANK

I agree that there is a difference, and I am having some inquiries made into the matter.

Mr. JAMES GRIFFITHS

Does the Minister not think that it is due to the absence of effective examination beforehand?

Captain CROOKSHANK

I have not the information before me.