HC Deb 12 December 1939 vol 355 c995
8. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he proposes to take with regard to the increase in the accident rate to boys of 16 to 18 years employed underground in the coal mines of the North, from a rate of 293 per 1,000 employed in 1934–36, to a rate of 319 in 1937?

Mr. Lloyd

Comparing 1937 with 1934–36 the accident rate for boys rose as stated, but it was slightly lower again in 1938. The chief measures required to bring about a further reduction of these very high accident rates are an improvement in the working conditions on haulage roads and more training, instruction and supervision of the boys. I cannot within the limits of question and answer explain the steps taken in these respects, but the information is given fully in the published reports of my Department.

Mr. Adams

Will the Minister agree that an additional cause is the sending of boys direct from school underground without their first having overground training?

Mr.R.J. Taylor

Will the hon. Gentleman agree also that one cause is the speed at which these boys have to work?

Mr. Lloyd

I appreciate the hon. Member's point, but it is also a fact, with which most people would agree, that preliminary training on the surface is very important.