§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary whether a vacuum dust remover is being worked at the Whitwood Collieries, Normanton, Yorks; and whether he is having a report prepared as to the efficiency of this machine for the purpose of removing coal dust from mines, its cost, capacity, and general suitability?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, a vacuum cleaner is in use at Whitwood Colliery. The Chief Inspector proposes to give particulars with regard to it in his annual report, but I may say that he informs me that, while it is doing admirably in the roadways near the pit bottom of this colliery, it can be used only where there is a smooth surface to work on, and that it would be useless for keeping the ordinary roadways free from dust.