§ (1) If an inspector is of opinion, with respect to a working face in a mine of coal, that in the interests of safety it is necessary or expedient to provide thereat a greater number of ways out therefrom, he may serve upon the manager of the mine a notice specifying that face and stating that he is of opinion as aforesaid with respect thereto and directing that, after the expiration of such period beginning with day on which the notice becomes operative as may be specified therein, the face shall not be worked unless there are provided thereat such additional roads affording means of egress therefrom as may be specified in the notice, being roads leading to such places as may be so specified.
§ (2) The provisions of Part XV of this Act with respect to references upon notices served by inspectors shall apply to a notice served under the foregoing subsection.—[Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd.]
§ Brought up, and read the First time.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydI beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."
The new Clause gives effect to the desire expressed in Committee that the inspector should have power to require 1393 the provision of additional escape roads in coalmines. We discussed this matter a good deal, and thought it would be better to leave the matter in the hands of the inspector for various safety reasons.
§ 5.15 p.m.
§ Mr. BlytonI quite agree with the Clause, because I feel that the inspector should have the power. When we discussed this matter in the Standing Committee the very important question of dummy gates was raised. I see nothing in the new Clause to provide that the Minister will stipulate that if dummy gates are used there will be proper ventilation. I should like to ask the Minister why, if dummy roads—which can be dangerous roads—are to be used there is not provision in the Clause that they should be properly timbered and properly ventilated.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.