§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons who have been killed as a result of explosions in mines for each of the last three years, distinguishing between collieries where naked lights have been in use and others where safety lamps were in use?
§ Mr. TURNERThe following table of figures gives the information asked for:
Where naked lights used:
1927 … … … 8 1928 … … … 3 1929 (to date) … … … 15‡ Where safety lamps used:
1927 … … … 64* 1928 … … … 33† 1929 (to date) … … … 13 I would point out to my hon. Friend that these figures give a wrong impression unless considered in relation to the numbers working under the differing conditions and to the fact that naked lights are only allowed in pits where the risk of explosion is considered to be very remote. *Includes 52 killed at Marine Colliery disaster, and three killed in explosions caused by striking matches or smoking. † Includes 13 killed in Haig Colliery disaster, and five killed in explosions caused by striking matches or smoking. ‡ Includes seven killed in Wernbwll Colliery disaster.