§ Colonel CLIFTON BROWNasked the Secrefary for Mines if he is aware that the charge for explosives is a heavy burden on miners' wages; and if he proposes to take any action to reduce this charge?
§ Mr. TURNERI am aware that in certain cases the cost to the miner in respect of explosives may be considerable, but the question whether explosives should be supplied free or not is one for settlement by local agreement between owners and workmen, and is taken into account in settling the wages rates. It is already provided in the Coal Mines Act, 1911, that if a charge for explosives1228W is made by the owner it must not exceed the actual net cost. Beyond this I do not think it is a matter in which Parliament could intervene.