§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines how many of the 15 suggestions made in the 1930 Report of the inspector of mines for the Northern Division in order to reduce accidents to ponies used in mines are capable of general application; how many of them have been put into application; and whether he will consider any further steps to see that the suggestions in question are carried out?
§ Mr. E. BROWNAs their context shows, these suggestions were made by one of the junior inspectors following special investigations at particular collieries. Some of the suggestions emphasise the need for close attention to existing requirements of the law; others refer to matters of degree in which no fixed standards are practicable; others, again, have reference to particular conditions found at the time, and the desirability of substituting limbers for sling gears is a matter in which there are differences of opinion. The suggestions are, therefore, not of general application in the sense that it would be either appropriate or necessary to apply them as they stand to all collieries, but in so far as any of the matters referred to is found at any colliery to require closer attention, appropriate action is taken by His Majesty's Inspectors. As regards the training of boys, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to another question on this subject to-day.