HC Deb 20 January 1942 vol 377 cc179-80
5. Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any arrangement has been made by his Department, the chief inspector of mine; and the coal-owners, to meet quickly any damage done by enemy action to winding gear or the ventilating system of any of the collieries situated on the Durham coast; and whether there is any portable winding gear in this area that could be brought into requisition in case of emergency?

Mr. Grenfell

Yes, Sir. Many of the collieries are inter-connected underground or have drifts to the surface; there are five sets of portable winding equipment which would be available throughout the country; and at some of the mines there is available spare winding equipment which could be put into service at the mine in any case of emergency.

Mr. Stewart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this an area which is under constant bombardment by enemy planes, and is he satisfied that there is sufficient portable winding-gear on the Durham coast to meet any emergency that may arise?

Mr. Grenfell

I think there is sufficient provision in the North-East area for meeting any emergency of that kind.