§ Mr. MARKHAMasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the county of Notts the checkweighmen at collieries have taken the time, day by day, of the actual time required for winding men at the usual speed, and that the times allowed by the inspectors under the Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Act are in all cases in excess of the time actually required; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI have no information to the effect suggested in the question. No complaints from the Nottinghamshire collieries have reached either myself or the inspector for the district. The times actually taken to lower or raise a shift are required to be shown in the register kept under the Act; note will be taken of these by the inspectors on their visits to the mines, and should the times allowed prove to be more than is reasonably necessary they will be reduced.