§ Mr. T. SMITHasked the Secretary for Mines the total number of persons killed in the mining industry for the 10 years ending 1921; and the total amount of money paid by way of compensation, etc., to their dependants?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX:The total number of persons killed in the mining industry in the United Kingdom during the 10 years ended 1921 was 12,897. Particulars of payments under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, for the years 1915 to 1918 were not collected. In the six remaining years of the period there were 7,638 fatal accident cases reported, the total compensation for which amounted to £1,467,062.
§ Major KELLEYasked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department is conducting any inquiries into the dangers of over-winding and other accidents in colliery shafts; whether he has received representations that the present safeguards are inadequate; and whether he proposes to issue fresh Regulations on the subject?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX:The investigation of accidents in colliery shafts is part of the duties of the Inspector of Mines. In view of the extent of the winding operations at the mines of this country, the number of accidents is remarkably small. They form less than 4 per cent. of the fatal accidents at collieries, and their number has long been steadily decreasing. Representations have, however, been made to me by the National Federation of Colliery Enginemen that the present safeguards need improvement in some respects. I have asked them to furnish me with evidence in support, of their contention, and when I have received it I will consider the matter carefully.
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§ Major KELLEYasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the issue of fresh Regulations imposing stricter conditions on shot-firing in coal mines; and whether he is empowered to make such Regulations at any time without fresh legislation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX:I am carefully considering what further steps can be taken to lessen the risk of accidents from this cause. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.