§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of mines in the Northern, Yorkshire. North and South Midland, and South Wales coalfields, respectively, at which trained horses and ponies are kept for use in cases of emergency; whether he is aware that certain mines horse inspectors employed by his Department have suggested that the ratio of such spare ponies should be one pony for every 10 employed underground; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the matter?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI regret that I am unable to furnish any precise figures, and I am not aware that any fixed proportion of spare horses has been suggested for general application. The number of horses in a pit is generally fixed at a figure which provides for spare horses when the colliery is working regularly. Present circumstances, I regret to say. are such at most collieries that the margin is now usually more than sufficient.