§ 35. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines how many of His Majesty's inspectors of mines are fully qualified to inspect electrical machinery and apparatus used in coal mines; what proportion is that to the total number of inspectors on the staff; and how often is a complete inspection made in each coal mine of such electrical machinery?
§ Captain CrookshankFrom time to time all of His Majesty's Inspectors of Coal Mines inspect electrical apparatus in the course of their duties and are qualified to do so, but for the detailed examination of such apparatus and for the more technical matters there are three specially qualified junior electrical inspectors, stationed in the provinces, who devote all their time to this work, in addition to the electrical inspector and his deputy, both stationed in London. Out of a total coal mines inspectorate of 108 there are, therefore, five inspectors solely concerned with electrical matters. As regards the last part of the question, it is not the practice for the electrical inspectors to make a complete and detailed examination of all the electrical apparatus at each mine visited, but rather to concentrate upon apparatus which, by reason of its character or situation, may give rise to danger.
§ Mr. GriffithsDoes the Minister think that, in view of the rapid increase in the use of electrical machinery, a proportion of five inspectors out of 108 is sufficient; and can he give a reply to the last part of the question, as to how often a complete inspection is made on the average?
§ Captain CrookshankI could not answer the last part of the question, because that information is not available. The hon. Member will realise, from what I said, that a complete inspection would, of course, involve all sorts of apparatus on the surface, and so on, the inspection of which would not be so necessary. All the inspectors are qualified for this purpose, and this is, of course, a problem which is constantly under consideration.
§ Mr. GriffithsIf all the inspectors are qualified, how often is it possible for all the inspectors to make a complete inspection? Does the Minister not think that a complete inspection should be made at least twice every year?
§ Captain CrookshankI would not like to commit myself to a statement on the matter offhand. I am satisfied that inspection is adequately carried out. If it seems at any time that more is required, that will be considered.