HC Deb 10 November 1952 vol 507 cc579-80
27. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will urgently consider amending the Coal Mines Act, 1911, to strengthen his powers to make regulations on safety in the mines, in view of the fact that the Executive Committee of the National Union of Mineworkers are concerned at recent accidents in the mining industry.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

As announced in the debate on 7th July last, I am making preparations for new legislation to take the place of the Coal Mines Act, 1911.

Mr. Murray

Is the Minister aware that that statement will have a good effect in the mining industry, but that women in the mining communities are very greatly disturbed about the last four mining disasters which have taken place? Can he say when he is likely to be able to meet the National Union of Mineworkers and the National Coal Board to get these preparations under way?

Mr. Lloyd

We shall quite soon be consulting the National Union of Mineworkers and the National Coal Board because that is exactly the stage of preparation in which the work is at present.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that the miners will be only too happy to see both the transport de-nationalisation Bill and the steel de-nationalisation Bill dropped in order to get on with this amending Bill and that if he were to persuade the Prime Minister to drop those two Bills and get on with this matter everyone would be happy?