§ 25. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet received an interim report from the committee who are watching the progress of automatic firedamp detectors in mines; and, if so, has he any statement to make?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, Sir. I understand that at their first meeting on 16th January, the committee agreed that the inquiry upon which they were engaged could not readily be divided into sections 1570 so as to permit of the presentation of an interim report.
§ Mr. WilliamsWhen does the hon. and gallant Gentleman expect to get this report, or a report of any kind?
§ Captain CrookshankI have just said that I do not expect an interim report, but the committee are well aware of the urgency of the problem.
§ Mr. WilliamsHave the committee given the hon. and gallant Gentleman any information as to the number of automatic detectors in use in each county, or any information of that kind?
§ Captain CrookshankI have said that I have had no report from them. They are considering the matter.