HC Deb 11 July 1939 vol 349 cc2030-1
15. Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has had a conference with the mines inspectors, Northern group, with a view to introducing a scheme for the protection of mine shafts, down cast and up cast, situated on the Durham coast during air raids in the event of war; and, if not, is it his intention to do so at an early date?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

My Department has conferred with all the Divisional Inspectors about air-raid precautions at collieries generally, but the responsibility for taking appropriate measures in this respect rests primarily with the mineowners. As regards precautions in respect of shafts, arrangements are being made for the Lord Privy Seal and myself to meet representatives of the Mining Association to urge upon them the need for carrying out fully the advice given in the A.R.P. memorandum issued to all colliery undertakings. I am sending the hon. Member a copy and would refer him particularly to the first paragraph on page 12.

Mr. Stewart

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to expedite any scheme which he has in mind with a view to providing a margin of safety for those engaged in and about those mines in case of emergency?

Mr. Lloyd

That is the purpose of the meeting between the Mining Association and the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Paling

Has any agreement been reached on the type of protection which is to be afforded?

Mr. Lloyd

We have been in consultation on that matter.