§ 35. Mr. Nealasked the Paymaster-General whether, in view of the occurrence of 58 underground fires in coal mines during the last five years, he will now fix the appointed day for the compulsory use of non-inflammable conveyor belting.
§ Sir I. HorobinMy noble Friend cannot consider fixing the appointed day until he is satisfied that fire resistant belting suitable for use in all conditions is available. Despite the absence of compulsion, however, such belting is being installed as rapidly as possible wherever conditions permit. A number of the recent fires to which the hon. Member refers were small ones which occurred where fire-resistant belting was used.
§ Mr. NealIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that he has been properly advised in this matter? Is he aware that it is now more than three years since the Mines and Quarries Act received the Royal Assent? Is he aware of the undertakings given by his predecessor in this connection?
§ Sir I. HorobinOh, yes, and in fact I am advised—and I must assume that the figure is correct—that something like 80 per cent. of belting being used is fire-resistant, but there are certain technical difficulties in certain kinds of mine which make it impossible to issue a general directive.
§ Mr. NealWould those technical difficulties be overcome by exemption being granted by Her Majesty's Inspectorate?
§ Sir I. HorobinI should like to look into the drafting of any order of that kind. I am advised at the moment that those are the difficulties which stand in the way of making a general directive.