§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked what number of men were working underground in mines in India during 1909 and 1910; what was the number of accidents, fatal and otherwise, to men working in mines in India; and what regulations, if any, are in existence to secure the safety of persons working underground?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe average number of workers underground in 1909 in mines regulated by the Indian Mines Act was 90,495, of whom 57,604 were men, 31,666 women, and 1,225 children. The number of accidents in the mines was 294, of which 126 were fatal, resulting in the death of 152 workers, of whom 131 were males and twenty-one females. Figures for 1910 have not yet been received. The Indian Government, under powers conferred by the Indian Mines Act of 1901, has made regulations for the proper and safe working of mines in India. I shall be happy to show a copy to my hon. Friend.