HC Deb 17 May 1938 vol 336 cc204-5
18. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines what increase has been made, or is contemplated, in the number of His Majesty's inspectors of mines; to what divisions these additional inspectors will be allocated; and whether he is satisfied that the increased inspectorate will be able to make an adequate number of inspections of the mines in the afternoon and night as well as the day shifts?

Captain Crookshank

Ten of the 16 additional posts in the Mines Inspectorate, the creation of which I announced in July last, have been filled, and have been allocated as follows: two to the No. 1, or Scotland Division, two to the No. 6, or Cardiff and Forest of Dean Division, and one to each of the remaining six divisions. A selection board is now engaged in interviewing candidates for sub-inspectorships from among whom some of the six remaining posts may be filled. The allocation of these posts among the divisions will fall to be decided when the final selections have been made. As regards the last part of the question, I am satisfied that this addition to the inspectorate will be sufficient substantially to increase the amount of inspection on the night and afternoon shifts.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the Minister satisfied now that the additional appointments that are being made will enable the inspectors to make regular inspections on the afternoon and night shifts? Is he satisfied that they will enable more inspections to be made?

Captain Crookshank

It certainly will enable more inspections to be made, and, of course, the whole point of the inspections is that they should not be regular.

Mr. Kirkwood

In view of the mechanisation of the mines, will the Minister see that he appoints inspectors who have engineering and practical experience, which they have not had up to the present?

Captain Crookshank

There is a selection board, on which a variety of important persons sit, to consider these matters, and they will, no doubt, take note of the question of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that more shots are being fired between midnight and 6 a.m. than at any other time, in the mines, and that it is essential that more inspections should take place between those hours?

Captain Crookshank

I said that the object of this is to increase the number.