§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many ponies and horses are working in each district down coalmines; how many inspectors are employed; how many accidents, casual and fatal, have occurred during each of the last five years; in view of the pressure to produce more coal, if he is satisfied that every effort is being taken to safeguard their interests; and what steps are taken for the supervision of their welfare.
§ Mr. GaitskellAs the information involves a very long statistical statement, I am sending my hon. Friend the figures of horses employed and accidents which have occurred in each district during the past five years. There are seven full-time Horse Inspectors of Mines, and other members of the Mines Inspectorate spend part of their time in looking into the care of the horses and their working conditions. I am satisfied that the care and treatment which these animals receive and the conditions under which they work continue to be satisfactory generally, and that all reasonable and practicable efforts are being made to safeguard their interests.
As my hon. Friend knows, the care and treatment and working conditions of pit ponies are strictly regulated by the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and cases of cruelty or ill-treatment can be punished uncle; the Protection of Animals Act, 1911. These provisions are rigidly enforced by the Mines Inspectors, and all complaints received in the Ministry are promptly and thoroughly investigated.