§ 60. Mr. Sylvesterasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has considered the report of the Chief Inspector of Mines on the explosion at Ingham Colliery, Thornhill, Yorkshire in September, 1947; and, in view of the recommendations contained therein relative to the use of flame lamps locked only by a lead rivet, if he will consider making regulations prohibiting that type of lamp being used.
§ Mr. RobensYes, Sir: but there is no need to make regulations prohibiting the lead rivet type of lock, because the point can better be dealt with under Section 33 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, which prohibits the use of safety lamps not of a type for the time being approved by my right hon. Friend. It would not, however, be practicable in present circumstances to require all lead rivet locks to be replaced at once, and the Chief Inspector's recommendation contemplates that the changeover will be a gradual one, in the course of reconditioning or replacement.