25. Mr. B. Taylorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of Her Majesty's Inspectors for Mines in the East Midlands Division; and to what extent the number of inspectors in the division is below establishment.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydSixteen and five, respectively.
Mr. TaylorWhat steps is the Minister taking to remedy this very unsatisfactory situation and to bring the number of inspectors up to proper establishment?
§ Mr. LloydWe have recently increased the salaries of the inspectorate and are taking other steps. I am rather concerned at the increase of accidents in the East Midlands Division, and I am making special inquiries into that matter.
§ Mr. PickthornCan my right hon. Friend tell us at what date he began to be aware of this very tragic increase in fatalities during recent months?
§ Mr. LloydI was assisted in that matter by a letter from my hon. Friend, as well as by the Question.