HC Deb 04 July 1939 vol 349 cc1082-5
1. Mr. Gordon Macdonald

asked the Secretary for Mines to what extent and in what direction has administrative action been taken in consequence of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Safety in Mines?

12. Mr. A. Jenkins

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of additional inspectors of mines he proposes to appoint; when the appointments will be made; and the districts in which they will be engaged?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

The Royal Commission expressed the view that health and safety duties should always be regarded as a primary function of the Mines Department, and that the status of the Health and Safety Division should be raised. His Majesty's Government accept this view and propose to give effect to it by substantially strengthening the administrative staff and by raising the status of the Head of the Division to that of a Deputy Under-Secretary—a matter to which the Royal Commission attached the highest importance. In addition, a number of new technical posts have been created at headquarters, including a second Deputy Chief Inspector, an Inspector of Mechanical Engineering, an inspector to deal specially with the problems of preventing accidents from falls of roof and side, a Deputy Medical Inspector and an additional inspector to deal with problems of the prevention and suppression of dangerous dusts.

With the increase in the new headquarters establishment, it will be possible to accelerate the work on other administrative developments arising from the Commission's Report. In the meantime more stringent regulations for dealing with the dangers of coal dust have been under discussion with the industry, and I hope will come into force on 1st October.

In accordance with the Royal Commission's recommendations, measures for suppressing and collecting coal dust in mechanised mining are being considered by a Departmental Committee, and a detailed revision of the Electricity Regulations is in progress.

Finally, I am glad to be able to announce that a detailed scheme for the reorganisation and expansion of the inspectorate on the lines recommended by the Commission has been worked out and approved. Twenty-three district inspectors,with suitable offices and subordinate staffs, will be substituted for the present eight divisional inspectors. The work of the district inspectors will be coordinated by six superintending inspectors, each in charge of a group of districts, and each with the necessary specialist technical staff at his immediate disposal. The total strength of the mines inspectorate, including quarry inspectors, will be increased under this scheme from 127 to 165.

Mr. Macdonald

Is it the intention of the Minister to have consultation with both sides of the industry, as regards further improvements and further action on the lines laid down by the Royal Commission?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Jenkins

What progress is being made with the preparation of a Bill in connection with the general recommendations of the Royal Commission?

Mr. Lloyd

In addition to the administrative plans that I announced to-day, considerable progress has been made with the preparation of the Bill, and discussions have been initiated with both sides of the industry.

Mr. Jenkins

Can the Minister give any indication as to when the Bill will be ready?

Mr. Lloyd

I could not say that at present.

Mr. Kirkwood

Has the Minister had due regard to the mechanisation which has been going on in the mines, particularly in recent years, and to the necessity of ensuring that the inspectorate are of such a character that they can detect any faults in machinery, not only above ground but particularly below ground?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir. The Royal Commission have paid special attention to that matter. The hon. Member will see the number of new technical posts which have been created at headquarters for dealing with that.

7. Mr. Whiteley

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the official tests of the Voortman stemming plug have proved successful, and, if so, what recommendations he intends making?

Mr. Lloyd

Since the reply given to the hon. Member on 21st February last, there have been certain demonstrations in the North of England, at some of which His Majesty's inspectors were present. The reports I have received provide no grounds for modifying the opinion then stated, but tests are now being arranged which it is hoped may show whether or not this plug has any advantages over sand-clay stemming.

Mr. Whiteley

Are we to understand that the Ministry has confined itself to this type of plug? There are other plugs which are being used at various collieries in the country, and, from our point of view, it does not matter what the plug is as long as one is used.

Mr. Lloyd

I appreciate that point. Of course, there have been inquiries with regard to a large number of plugs, but in view of the hon. Member's interest I was arranging for a special test of that type of plug.

Mr. Whiteley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, at the last test that was made, one of his own officials definitely put the use of this plug far above the ordinary methods in operation at the present time?

Mr. Lloyd

If the hon. Member will look at the answer, he will see that I used the word "demonstration" with regard to the occurrence he mentioned. As I said, the reports I received from the inspector did not give me any grounds for altering the opinion expressed by my predecessor, but in order to reach a decision in the matter, I am arranging for a special test.

Mr. Pilkington

Are not dry limestone and sand stemming plugs equally efficient?

Mr. Lloyd

That of course is one of the matters involved in this question.

8. Mr. Whiteley

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the tests of the Nox safety lamp have been concluded; and when approval is likely to be given?

Mr. Lloyd

The official tests are proceeding and the manufacturers have been asked to discuss the design of the lamp with a view to its improvement in certain particulars. I will decide the question of approval as soon as these matters have been dealt with, the tests completed and the testing officer's final report received and considered.

Mr. Whiteley

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that there has been a tremendous delay in regard to this matter?

Mr. Lloyd

I am not aware that there has been any great delay. As the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a new firm of lamp makers and certain modifications of their design have been suggested by the Mines Department, and they are being invited to discuss the matter with them.

Mr. T. Smith

Are the tests taking place in the Sheffield Testing Station?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir.