11. Miss Wardasked the Secretary for Mines how many colliery companies employ fully certified mine managers as safety officials; and how many companies issue free safety helmets to their men?
§ Captain CrookshankIn November last there were about 40 mines or groups of mines where special safety officers had been appointed, additional to the manager and other safety officers required by law. I do not know how many of these safety officers held managers' certificates. The arrangements between the owners and the workmen for meeting the cost of the safety helmets now widely used vary considerably. There is no settled practice, and I have not got the information asked for in the second part of the question.
Miss WardThis seems to be a matter of some importance, and would it not be advantageous to the Mines Department to have that information filed?
§ Captain CrookshankI feel that it is of more importance to bring about an increase in the use of these safety precautions.
Miss WardIs not my hon. and gallant Friend aware that certain colliery owners make a practice of giving safety helmets, and would it not be an advantage to the rest of the colliery companies if the Mines 732 Department knew how many companies had adopted this advantageous practice?
§ Captain CrookshankI cannot see that a figure of that sort would be of any advantage one way or the other. The great thing is to get these helmets into use, and I am glad to say that their use is increasing every week throughout the whole of the mining industry.