HC Deb 05 February 1951 vol 483 cc1334-5
33. Mr. W. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider providing a form of small respirator to miners working in pits where safety lamps are required in order to assist in their escape in case of fire.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

My technical staff, in conjunction with the National Coal Board and with the manufacturers concerned, have for some time been studying the problem of providing miners with breathing apparatus of the kind which the hon. Member describes; I have recently given instructions that the work must be regarded as of great urgency and importance. Unfortunately, there are technical and other difficulties yet to be overcome before an apparatus suitable for general use can be devised.

Mr. Fletcher

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that amount of progress, may I ask if he is aware that there have been recent incidences where the use of this apparatus has been of very real use? The remarks he has made about technical difficulties do not appear to have as much weight as they might.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I gave my instructions after the Knockshinnock accident. Everything is being done to push this matter forward, but it would be very dangerous to have a general distribution of apparatus which has not been proved to be safe and satisfactory.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is it not true that at Knockshinnock 118 lives were saved by a self-contained respirator? Will my right hon. Friend ask his technical advisers to take this into consideration?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Although these respirators served the purpose admirably in that case, I do not think they are suitable for general distribution in the mines.

Colonel Ropner

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think it advisable to wait until a respirator is classed as absolutely perfect? Would it not be better to issue respirators that might occasionally fail in their purpose rather than have none at all?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We shall certainly do it as quickly as possible, but I must be advised by my inspectors and their expert staffs as to what is safe.