HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 364 cc1-3
2. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the representations of the Fife, Clackmannan and Kinross Miners' Union regarding the establishment of means of communication between the underground workings of Glencraig and Mary Collieries, Lochore; and whether he proposes to deal with coal mines in other parts of the country on the lines of the union's representations?

3. Mr. McLean Watson

asked the Secretary for Mines what representations have been made to his Department regarding inter-communication between certain mines belonging to different colliery companies in the County of Fife; and whether steps are being taken to ensure that everything possible will be done to have adequate means of escape where shafts may be destroyed by air raids?

Mr. Grenfell

This matter has been considered in consultation with the representatives of the union and of the employers, but as at present advised I am not satisfied that the proposal to establish a connection between these collieries provides the best immediate means of achieving the desired object. An emergency portable winding plant has, however, been provided in the district and is available for use at Glencraig Colliery, where its use was demonstrated some weeks ago in the presence of representatives of the employers and workmen and of my Department. Appropriate precautions are being taken in all coalfields, including, where necessary and practicable, the inter-communication of neighbouring collieries and the provision of auxiliary winding gear. I shall continue to give close attention to any proposals of this kind which are submitted to my Department, and I would assure the hon. Members that everything possible will be done to ensure that men are brought to the surface as quickly as possible in case of surface damage by enemy action or other causes.

Mr. Kennedy

I take it that the union and the mineowners are working in unison?

Mr. Grenfell

They were present at the demonstration in July to which I referred, and we shall keep in close touch with representatives of both sides on this question.

Mr. Watson

Does my hon. Friend realise that where two shafts are close together both shafts may be destroyed in an air raid; and what kind of apparatus will be adopted if both shafts are closed?

Mr. Grenfell

It is very unlikely that both shafts will be caught by one explosion, but it has been borne in mind that both shafts may be damaged, and, in those cases where inter-communication with neighbouring shafts can be established, it will be an advantage, but in this particular case it is not an immediate solution of even that problem.

Mr. Gallacher

Will special consideration be given to the safety of the mines in an area that is receiving particular attention from bombs?

Mr. Grenfell

Yes, Sir. That is being done. Perhaps the area most subject and liable to damage of this kind is the Kent coalfield, and we have taken special precautions there by the provision of a sufficient number of auxiliary winding gears.