1. Major HILLSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet discussed with the Mining Association the question of the use of automatic gas detectors; and whether he has any statement to make to the House?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKYes, Sir. I have discussed this matter with Mining Association representatives, and have been informed that further steps have been taken by them to ensure that automatic firedamp detectors will be tried out in certain districts where little or nothing had hitherto been done in the matter. I have asked them for an interim report on the practical experience already gained with automatic detectors and a statement of the further action which is now to be taken in each district. I was 1344 also informed of the decision of the Mining Association to offer a prize of £500 for the best automatic detector which will also serve as the best illuminant.