§ Colonel DAYasked the Secretary for Mines if he can give the number of fatal accidents which occurred in the mining industry for the 12 months ending 31st May, 1924, and for the 12 months ending 31st May, 1925; and if the inspectorate has been increased during the latter period, and what other, if any, special steps have been taken during the latter period to promote safety in mines?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXDuring the year ending 31st May, 1924, there were 1,165 separate fatal accidents resulting in the death of 1,289 persons. The corresponding figures for the year ending 31st May, 1923, were 1,088 and 1,151 respectively. The inspectorate was increased during the latter period by the addition to the permanent staff of two divisional and ten sub-inspectors, and by the appointment temporarily of a medical inspector. A summary of other official measures to promote safety in mines will be found in the recently published Annual Reports of the Secretary for Mines and Chief Inspector of Mines.