26. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary for Mines what steps are being taken to increase the amount of protective equipment worn by coal miners at their work; and what estimates have so far been made of the saving of life by such equipment?
§ Captain CrookshankThe total number killed this year up to 3oth June was 488, and the number seriously injured was 1,588. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Mr. SmithDo not these figures show that accidents this year have been more numerous than for the last two or three years?
§ Captain CrookshankActually the number killed is higher, while the number seriously injured is lower, than in the previous year.
§ Mr. CassellsIs the Minister aware that the recent report with regard to the Scottish mining area shows a definite increase, due to deficiency in propping, and will he say what steps he is prepared to take to remedy this defect?
§ Captain CrookshankNot in reply to a supplementary question.
§ Mr. CassellsIs it not a fact?
§ Following is the information:
§ Captain CrookshankIn 1935 an inspector of mines was seconded to the Safety in Mines Research Board for three years to devote his whole time to promoting the development and use of protective equipment in mines, and the board has just made a fresh appointment to continue the work on similar lines. Propaganda of many kinds has been, and will 171 continue to be, organised, and many colliery companies conduct propaganda of their own, and, with the mutual indemnity companies, supply equipment free or at reduced cost. The matter is included in the syllabus of the safety classes for colliery boys; and there is increasing co-operation from the miners' representatives. It is not possible to give any general estimate of the number of lives saved, but it is considerable, and numerous instances where serious or fatal injuries have been prevented are constantly being recorded and published.
§ Mr. T. SmithCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the use of protective equipment has become general in the coalfields, or whether there are any districts which have not yet taken it up?
§ Captain CrookshankI should have to look into that question, but I understand that in the last three years over 435,000 hard hats have been supplied.
Mr. AdamsIs there any intention on the part of the Government to make the wearing of such equipment obligatory?
§ Captain CrookshankThat is another question.