§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of underground coal conveyors in use in mines in this country in the years 1928, 1929, and June, 1930, respectively?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe information is as follows:
Number of coal conveyors in use below ground: 1928, 2,856; 1929, 3,218.
Particulars are only collected at the end of each calendar year, and therefore are not available for June, 1930.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received any reports from Government experts or others to the effect that the use of underground conveyors in coal mines is safer than rope and animal haulage and a means of eliminating accidents to both men and ponies on mine haulage roads; and 56W of appointing a Departmental Committee to inquire into the whole question of haulage and conveyance underground in coal mines, particularly having regard to the developments in mechanical haulage in coal mines in other countries?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe whole question of the relative advantages of different methods of haulage is at present engaging the close attention of mining engineers and is receiving wide and constant publicity in the technical press. I would invite the special attention of the hon. Member to the full and valuable report issued last year by a special committee appointed as a result of collaboration betwen the South and West Yorkshire Coalowners' Associations and the Midland Institute of Mining Engineers: This report contains an exhaustive study of the problems of underground conveying and loading by mechanical means, and it has attracted wide interest and discussion in the industry. The Safety in Mines Research Board, also, has recently taken steps with a view to setting up an inquiry into the prevention of haulage accidents generally. I think, therefore, that the hon. Member can rest Assured that the whole of this technical and complicated subject is under close and constant review by those best qualified to deal with it, and I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served, at any rate at present, by the setting up of a Departmental Committee.