§ Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary for Mines the number of separate ignitions of firedamp reported during the last years, with the loss of life and cases of personal injuries resulting therefrom; and whether he is satisfied that the provisions of the Mines Act regarding ventilation are being fully enforced?
§ Mr. E. BROWNFor the five years 1928–1932 inclusive the total number of explosions resulting in personal injury of any kind was 277, of which 196 were die to the use of naked lights. The total 525W number of persons killed was 316, including 27 in naked light pits, and the total number injured (however slightly), 538, including 255 in naked light pits. In the current year 35 persons have been killed as a result of eight explosions; I cannot at present give the figures of nonfatal accidents, but the number of persons injured is approximately 50. All these explosions resulted from ignitions of firedamp, but it must not he assumed, because of this, that the ventilation was inadequate. The imperative necessity for a high standard of ventilation is constantly being stressed, and close attention is given by the inspectors to the enforcement of the law. The matter is one that requires in all its details unremitting care and thought on the part of all concerned.