§ Mr. JOHNasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in face of the continuously increasing accidents which occur in the coal mines of this country in consequence of shot-firing and its dangers, and such accidents resulting in serious loss to life and limb, inasmuch as the major portion of these accidents are preventable, he will take steps to make it compulsory in all cases of shot-firing in the mines and quarries of this country to use shot-firing 86W appliances, thereby in this connection reducing the danger to life and limb to the lowest possible minimum?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe returns supplied to the Mines Department do not show that the number of accidents arising out of the use of explosives at mines and quarries in this country is increasing, but I shall be very glad to have any suggestions which would lead to a lessening of the dangers arising from this cause. As the hon. Member knows, there are already strict regulations as to shot-firing and the appliances to be used for that purpose, but if he has any particular appliance in mind perhaps he will let me have particulars, and I will make inquiry.