§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARalso asked the Home Secretary if he has taken any further steps to gather information as to the system of working minerals on the Continent by hydraulic stowage or by other methods calculated to prevent the subsidence of the surface of the ground; if he will publish any Reports received by him on this subject; and if he will consider as to whether such methods of working minerals might be adopted with advantage in this country?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy hon. Friend will find references to this subject in the last two Annual Reports of the Chief Inspector of Mines, on pages 86 and 87 of the Report for 1910, and pages 79 and 80 of the Report for 1911. The method of hydraulic stowage of wastes and its applicability to English mines are now, being investigated by the Departmental Committee on Spontaneous Combustion in Coal Mines from the point of view of safety of working where the coal is liable to heat; but the subject of surface subsidence and the adoption of this or other methods of working as a means of preventing it are not matters in regard to which I have any power to take action.