Mr. WINTERTONasked the Secretary for Mines in view of the recent explosion at Whitehaven, what steps he has taken to hasten a decision about the use of some automatic gas alarm in all dangerous pits; whether he is satisfied that an efficient apparatus exists for warning men of the presence of gas in dangerous quantities; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to make the use of such detectors compulsory?
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§ Mr. SHINWELLIt would be premature to express any opinion now—one way or the other—as to the existence of any relationship between the recent explosion at Whitehaven and the other subject matter of this question. But in general I may say that, after the fullest investigation, I am not satisfied that, as yet, there isany firedamp detector, except the flame safety lamp, which can safely be relied upon by the workmen. One type of automatic alarm has been tried at several collieries but with disappointing results. A modified design of it, embodying an improvement suggested by the Safety in Mines Research Board, has recently been produced, and, following on extensive tests in the laboratory with fairly satisfactory results, I have decided to arrange for it to be given a carefully supervised trial in ordinary pit use. Further action must depend upon the results of these trials.