§ 3. Mr. T. Smithasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has consulted recently His Majesty's inspectors in those districts where fatal accidents are on the increase; and, if so, whether any action is contemplated either by circular letter to the owners or by way of new regulations?
§ Mr. GrenfellYes, Sir. Towards the end of February I discussed the matter fully with the chief inspector and the divisional inspectors, and early in March each of the divisional inspectors issued a circular letter reviewing the accident 4 figures of his division, and making his proposals and asking for general cooperation in bringing about an improvement. A very large part of the increase in fatal accidents has been, and continues to be, due to falls of roof at the working face, and I am about to propose general regulations to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines in regard to packing and chocks. I may add that I am closely watching the reports on accidents and am in frequent consultation with my inspectors on the subject.
§ Mr. SmithCan the Minister say whether the subject-matter of these circular letters has been brought to the notice of all concerned in the industry, and whether they can be considered by joint committees at the pits?
§ Mr. GrenfellWith regard to the first part of the question, I may say that these letters were sent to the Miners' Federation and to the managements at the pits. I am considering whether the pit committees should discuss safety questions such as that suggested by the hon. Member.
§ 4. Mr. Smithasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in compiling statistics of fatal and serious accidents at the coal face, it is possible to give separate figures of accidents on machine- and hand-got faces, respectively?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe published figures of accidents at the coal face do not distinguish between machine- and hand-got faces except in regard to falls of ground. A special re-classification would be necessary to obtain these figures, but if my hon. Friend desires to have them for a particular area over a limited period, I will see how far I can meet him.
§ Mr. SmithIs the Minister aware that two years ago one of his predecessors promised that he would give this matter consideration, and, in view of the increase of machine mining, is it not necessary that we should be able to estimate the effect that it has had on the accident rate?
§ Mr. GrenfellWe can give an estimate, but I would not like to guarantee that the exact figures are available. I will cause an inquiry to be made in order to give the hon. Member such figures as we have.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the Minister satisfied, as a practical miner, that all is being done to obviate accidents in the mines at the moment?
§ Mr. GrenfellI have said that consultation with the inspectors is taking place. I have met them on many occasions for the special purpose of inquiring into the causes of accidents, and I shall not be satisfied until the accident rate has been reduced.
§ Mr. KirkwoodSeeing that the Minister is not satisfied, what is he going to do? The answer that he has given is the answer which every Minister gives.
§ Mr. GrenfellMy hon. Friend has heard me say that I have issued new regulations. The safety of mines depends upon suitable regulations being issued, and we are hoping from the results of these new regulations that certain matters will be more thoroughly safeguarded.
§ Mr. KirkwoodAnd the accident rate mounts up every year.