§ 23. Mr. G. GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the statement made at an inquest at Cudworth, on Saturday, 21st March, by the inspector of mines that boys of 15 years of age were too young for the job of catch lifting; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)I have received a full report on this aceident, and I agree with the opinion expressed by the inspector that young and inexperienced boys should not be given duties in connection with the working of cages. In this instance the matter was taken up immediately with the manager of the pit, and a promise was given by him that in future only older boys would be employed on such work. The attention of His Majesty's inspectors will be drawn to this accident, and they will he instructed to take the matter up in any other cases which they find.
§ Mr. T. SMITHWill the hon. and gallant Member consider circularising colliery managers on this matter?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI will consider it, but our first business is to circularise the inspectors.