§ 23. Dame Irene Wardasked the Paymaster-General whether he will make a statement about accidents in coal mines during 1956.
§ Mr. MaudlingProvisional figures for accidents during 1956 at mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, are 329 killed and 1,771 seriously injured. These figures are the lowest ever recorded and compare with 425 and 1,889. respectively, in the previous year. The decrease in accidents during recent years reflects credit on mangements, officials, workmen and H.M. Inspectors, and my noble Friend would like to pay tribute to their continuing efforts in this matter.