Mr. H. PARKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the necessity for an order to be issued by his Department requiring that over-winding apparatus shall be so fixed or attached to winding engines as to come into operation before the conclusion of the wind, instead of after completion of the wind, as now generally affixed, and so as to act as a preventative of excessive speed, and also to offer some real protection and security for life and property from the provision of such apparatus?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXThis matter is already under consideration.
Mr. PARKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the advisability of causing inquiry to be made by the divisional inspectors of mines in relation to the proper provision and equipment of sanitary arrangements in colliery winding engine houses; the provision of efficient signal indicators; and the provision of over-winding apparatus as provided by the Mines Act, 1911; and is he aware that such provisions are not in many cases being carried out in the spirit and intention of the Mines Act?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXThe inspection of the equipment and arrangements referred to is carried on regularly as part of the daily work of the inspectors of mines under the direction of the divisional inspectors. The results of these inspections do not bear out the suggestion in the last part of the hon. Member's question.
Mr. PARKERasked the Secretary for Mines if he will consider the advisability of appointing men of practical experience for the purpose of inspecting machinery such as winding engines and other machinery used in the raising and lowering of persons employed in or about a mine; if he will consider men who have served years of experience as winding-enginemen as being the class of men from whom such inspectors should be selected on account of their practical knowledge and experience; and whether he will take steps to at once go into this matter in the interests of safety and security?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXThe mines inspectorate, as at present staffed, is 3169W qualified to inspect winding machinery, and I do not consider it necessary to appoint special inspectors for the purpose.