Mr. WINTERTONasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that pit ponies are often subjected to double shifts; whether he is satisfied that sufficient pit ponies are employed for the work they are called on to do; what provisions are made to see that these animals obtain proper food and rest; and whether, until such time as mechanical haulage is possible, he will instruct his inspectors to make surprise visits at night in order to check the overworking and possible cruelty to horses in mines?
§ Mr. BEN TURNERThe provision of a sufficient number of ponies for the work to be done, and the many requirements of the Coal Mines Act for the proper care and treatment of the ponies, are matters which receive daily the critical care and attention of H.M. Inspectors of Horses, whose visits to the mines, whether by day or night, are made without notice to the management. I will consider the suggestion that additional visits should be made at night. I am satisfied that, on the whole, there is no general ground for complaint in any of the matters referred to.