§ 41. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines what progress has been made regarding the use of automatic alarms in coal mines since his last meeting with representatives of the Coal-owners Association; and whether he has brought further pressure to bear on the coalowners since the explosion at Wharncliffe Woodmoor colliery with the loss of 58 lives?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)As regards the first part of the question, I regret to say that, since I made a statement on the subject in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on 14th July last, my further representations to the Mining Association have had little result, and that little further progress has been made towards enlarging the basis of practical experience, with automatic detectors, of the working of the Firedamp Detector Regulations. As regards the last part of the question, it will be realised that it is not possible for me to base representations on the Wharncliffe Woodmoor explosion until I have received and considered the report of the public inquiry which has been held to investigate the causes of the explosion.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIn view of the succession of terrible disasters, is the hon. and gallant Member going to pursue the coalowners and use such influence as he may have to compel them—if there be no other means—to utilise automatic gas detectors?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIt is a question whether even pursuing the coal-owners, as the hon. Member says, will have the effect desired.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSMay I ask the hon. and gallant Member whether, in view of 688 the well-known stupidity of the coal-owners, he is likely to be able to give a reply to a similar question put down in a week or two?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI shall be able to report any developments which may have taken place meanwhile.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the hon. and gallant Member perfectly satisfied that every action is being taken to prevent these dreadful accidents which happen every now and again in the minefields of our country? There is no answer. I am certain it is not so.
§ 42. Mr. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines what progress has been made by the committee which was appointed to deal with the offer of the Coalowners' Association for the best combined automatic alarm and illuminating lamp; whether specifications have been issued; and whether any time limit has been imposed?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am informed that the committee set up by the Mining Association has held two meetings, and that the preparation of the specification and conditions for the £500 prize offered by the association is nearing completion.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that it is many months since this competition was proposed, and does he not now believe that the competition is a mere side-stepping of the main issue with regard to automatic gas detectors?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo, Sir, I think a competition of this kind may very well have good results.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSBut is there any time limit for the competition to end?
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSIs the Minister aware that in my division there have been three explosions within a matter of months, and whether he is still delaying this vital matter? Will the Minister please answer my question?