§ Mr. R. McLARENasked the Home Secretary if it is imperative in coal mines using electricity, with unarmoured cables, in which inflammable gas has never been found, that the provisions of Regulation 137 of the electrical rules should be carried out; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of granting exemption, under the special. circumstances, to such mines, keeping in view the fact that to insist on the requirements of the Regulation some mines may have to close down?
§ Mr. SHORTTRegulation 137 is of general application and is not confined to mines where gas is found. The armouring of cables is necessary to guard against electric shock and other dangers, as well as against the risk of explosion, and it is, I am advised, a most important requirement in the interests of safety. Any application for exemption on the grounds specified in the Regulation will be carefully considered, but no exemption could be granted on the ground merely that no inflammable gas had been found.