§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines the average depth of the workings of the mines in South Yorkshire; the highest and lowest temperatures recording at the coal face in these mines; and if there is any tendency to heating of gobs in any of these mines and any danger of ignition of coal dust due to rapid transit of wheeled tubs on rails or by friction in some other way?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe workings of the mines in South Yorkshire vary so widely in depth that an average would have no significance. Systematic records of temperature at the coal face are not kept, and I cannot answer the second part of the question. The answer to the third part of the question is "Yes," to the fourth part "No" and to the fifth part that there is a very remote risk.