§ 37. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines what was the tonnage of coal cut by electrically-driven coal-cutting machines in 1928 and the number of separate ignitions that took place in that year, and the comparative figures for 1936; and the number of His Majesty's inspectors of mines specially charged with the inspection of electrical apparatus in the mines in 1928 and 1937, respectively?
§ Captain CrookshankThe tonnage of coal cut by electrically-driven coal-cutting machines was, in round figures, 40,500,000 tons in 1928 and 89,750,000 tons in 1936. The number of separate ignitions of firedamp from all causes, which involved death or injury during the same two years was 48 and 40. There was one electrical inspector of mines in 1928, and there are now five.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs it intended that any of the 16 new inspectors, the appointment of which the hon. and gallant Gentleman announced last week, shall be specially appointed for this purpose in view of this increase of electrical machinery in the pits?
§ Captain CrookshankI do not know that I have quite decided upon their functions. I cannot answer that question to-day.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider whether some of these 16 inspectors should not specially be appointed for this task?
§ Captain CrookshankOf course, the general object of this inspectorate is to increase the inspectors in the night shifts, and I will consider whether that will fall in with the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs it not the fact that most of this electrical coal-cutting machinery is used on the night shift and, therefore, what I am suggesting will fit in with what the hon. and gallant Gentleman says are his functions?