§ Mr. D. GRAHAMasked the Secretary for Mines whether any arrangement has yet been entered into between the Mines Department and the National Association of Colliery Managers affecting lighting in the pits; and, if so, will he state the terms of the arrangement?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTThe Mining Association and the National Association of Colliery Managers have assured me of their firm conviction that improved mine lighting is urgently desirable, but they represented to me that they themselves were taking action and making progress towards that end. They pointed out also that standardisation at the present stage of development would result in fixing a less satisfactory minimum standard 585W than could probably be fixed if they were allowed a further period of unfettered development. Both associations, at my request, gave me definite assurances that they would forthwith take energetic steps voluntarily to secure continued improvement in lighting in mines; and, relying on these assurances, I have felt justified in suspending, for a limited period, further action by regulation. The matter, to which I attach great importance, will be fully reviewed at the end of the year, and in the meantime my Department will watch the position closely, and will co-operate with the industry in seeking improvement along the best lines.