HC Deb 03 April 1912 vol 36 cc1266-7W
Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to a statement made by Dr. Harger to the members of the Manchester Geological and Mining Society, at a meeting held on 27th February last, to the effect that explosions of coal dust and fire-damp in mines could be absolutely prevented by the adoption of a process which he described; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter with the object of ascertaining whether this process can be practically applied in mines without in any way injuring the health of the miner?

Mr. McKENNA

My attention has already been called to the theory propounded by Dr. Harger that by reducing the oxygen and increasing the carbon dioxide in the air of a mine it is possible to render an explosion of coal dust impossible. I understand that to give effect to this theory it would be necessary, in some mines at any rate, to reduce the amount of oxygen below the limit considered necessary by the Royal Commission and embodied in the Coal Mines Act of last Session. Apart, however, from this, I am advised that even if Dr. Harger's theory is correct as regards explosions, there would be great difficulties in applying his proposals without introducing at the same time other and serious dangers. The whole question of the prevention of coal dust explosions is now under investigation by an expert committee of the Home Office, who are fully aware of Dr. Harger's proposals; and I do not think it necessary to institute any special inquiry.