HC Deb 28 February 1939 vol 344 cc1082-3
63. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines the names of those who have accepted his invitation to serve on the committee that is to investigate the electricity regulations; what are to be their terms of reference; and whether he will ask the committee to expedite their report in view of the recommendation made on page 367 of the report of the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

The committee will be constituted as follows:

  • Professor William Cramp (Chairman).
  • Mr. J. A. B. Horsley.
  • Mr. A. M. Bell.
  • Mr. A. G. Connell.
The terms of reference are: To be a committee to consider, in the light of experience and modern practice, what amendments are required in the general regulations governing the use of electricity below ground and above ground at mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, taking into consideration the report of the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines and the evidence on the subject submitted to that Commission. I do not expect that the inquiry will be a long one, and I am sure the committee will permit no unnecessary delay in presenting their report.

Mr. Smith

Is it the intention to take evidence from representative people; and will the Minister recommend the committee to consult the research workers and the officials of the Safety in Mines Research officials at Buxton?

Captain Crookshank

I should not like to prejudge what the committee are likely to do; after all, that is their own business.

Mr. A. Jenkins

What length of time is the inquiry expected to take? We have already had three years' delay in the case of the Royal Commission on Safety in Mines.

Captain Crookshank

I could not possibly say how long it will take. I have said that I do not expect it will take very long, but the hon. Gentleman will recollect that the setting up of this committee was one of the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

Mr. Jenkins

Are there any representatives of the workpeople on this committee?

Captain Crookshank

No, Sir; it is a technical committee of electrical engineers.

Mr. Jenkins

Are there no technical workpeople?

Mr. Jagger

Are there no practical workpeople?