§ 17. Mr. Bateyasked the Secretary for Mines whether, without waiting longer for the report of the Royal Commission, he will take steps to make it illegal to use electricity to drive machines in coal mines?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, Sir.
§ Mr. BateyIs the Minister aware that the Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines made an investigation into the incidence of explosions in France, and said in his report that, while there had been 17 explosions, causing 86 deaths, over a certain period here, due to electricity, there had been only one explosion, causing one death, over the same period in France? Does that not show the need for making electricity illegal in connection with this machinery?
§ Captain CrookshankIt does not necessarily follow. As the hon. Member knows, this is one of the most important questions which the Royal Commission are now considering. Having arranged for such a Commission to be set up, it would be obviously wrong for action of such a fundamental nature to be taken without 204 full consideration having been given by the Commissioners to the evidence put before them.
§ Mr. BateyIn view of the latest explosion, is there not urgent need for something to be done without waiting for the Commission's report? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.