§ 47. Mr. Ammonasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that some local authorities have their storage premises congested with dumps of metal waste, in some instances amounting to hundreds of tons; and has he any suggestions for the prompt removal of such salvage?
Mr. SmithThe corresponding figures for last year show that 481 were killed and the number seriously injured was 1,469. With regard to accidents from falls of ground at the coal face, the figure for last year was 243 and this year it is 185. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in deaths from explosions as compared with last year.
Mr. GriffithsWill the Parliamentary Secretary issue those figures that I see in his hand so that we can have them in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-morrow?
§ Following are the figures:
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Assheton)I understand that, generally, local authorities have not excessive stocks. There have been one or two cases of difficulty, and those, so far as I know, have been dealt with. If the hon. Member will be good enough to let me know of any cases still outstanding, I will at once see that the matter is attended to.
§ Mr. AmmonIs it not a fact that this matter is very much in the hands of the trade itself, which allows stocks to accumulate in order that it may get knock-out paces?
§ Mr. AsshetonI have not heard any suggestion of that.