§ Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Minister of Mines what steps are taken by the Government to test the efficiency of the large number of safety appliances already patented; when tests have been taken and their values proved, what steps are taken to force mineowners to adopt them; whether any tests are being made with shot-firing appliances; if so, which is considered the best for preventing accidents from this cause; and what steps does he propose to take to enforce its use?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIt is impossible for the Government to test the numerous patent safety appliances, as the only real1016W test of the efficiency of such appliances lies in experience of their behaviour over an extended period under actual working conditions. Such tests can only be effectively carried out at mines under the constant observation of the management, and it is not found that there is any failure on the part of mine owners and managers to try out inventions and adopt them if they appear to meet a real need in a practical way. The question of making compulsory the adoption of safety appliances arises only when there is convincing evidence of the need for and the efficacy of such appliances. The hon. Member will be aware of the recent appointment of a Sub-Committee on Technical Appliances to advise the Department on such matters. As regards shot-firing appliances, I can add nothing at present to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for Rhondda West (Mr. John) on 27th February and 7th March last.