HC Deb 22 March 1938 vol 333 c984
31. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines how many inspections were made by persons appointed by the workmen, in exercise of their powers under Section 16 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911; and how many were made in the North Staffordshire area?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

During 1937, 4,686 inspections at 495 mines were made under Section 16 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911. In North Staffordshire one such inspection was made at each of the three mines.

Mr. Smith

Is the Minister satisfied with the number of inspections made, and if not, has he taken any steps recently to stimulate greater interest in the question of inspection?

Captain Crookshank

I do not think it is for me to stimulate these inspections. There are other people who ought to do that.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware that it is in the Act that workmen's inspections are permissive, and that in some districts they have a workmen's inspection every month; and will he not try to secure that there shall be a workmen's inspection every month?

Mr. James Griffiths

Does the Minister say that it is not part of his duty to stimulate inspections which are provided for under the Act?

Captain Crookshank

This is permissive.

Mr. Griffiths

But it is in the Act.