§ 17. Mr. Nealasked the Paymaster-General when he proposes to fix the appointed day for the discontinuance of the use of inflammable belting and brat-lice cloth in coal mines.
§ Mr. MaudlingGood progress continues to be made in introducing fire resistant belting and brattice cloth, but there are certain technical difficulties to be overcome before its use can be prescribed in all circumstances.
§ Mr. NealIn view of the fact that it is now two years and four months since the Mines and Quarries Bill received the Royal Assent, does not the Minister think it high time that this was in operation?
§ Mr. MaudlingVery great progress has been made, and last year the percentage of belting which is fire resistant had risen from 45 per cent. to 70 per cent., which is a great increase, but there are disadvantages in cold or wet places, or where the seams are very thin. There are technical difficulties which at the moment make it impossible to adapt the fire-resistant belting in every case.
§ Mr. NealIt is not possible, where technical difficulties exist, for exemptions to be made by the inspectors, and could not that be put in operation?
§ Mr. MaudlingIn that case, there would be no benefit. At present the National Coal Board is inserting fire-resisting belting wherever it possibly can.