§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that automatic gas detectors have now been in use at certain collieries for a period exceeding two years; that in each case entire satisfaction has been given; and what period of time he regards as necessary before accepting the test as conclusive?
§ Mr. TURNERI am not aware of any collieries where automatic firedamp detectors have been in regular use for a period exceeding two years, or of any colliery where more than two or three such detectors have been used at a time. While, with some exceptions, the results of these few small tests have been reasonably satisfactory, I should be unwilling to specify any exact period of test as this must necessarily depend on the circumstances of the tests, but as I informed the hon. Member on 4th December, I am satisfied that the daily use below-ground is not yet sufficiently broad to enable my advisers to judge finally of their complete reliability and practical value as compared with the flame safety lamp.