§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries in South Wales at which supplies of fresh water are piped from the surface to the horses' stables below ground, and also piped to the working places where the horses are employed during their shifts?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe Coal Mines Act, 1911, requires that a sufficient supply of pure water shall be provided daily for every horse while in the stable and while at work. It is part of the duties regularly carried out by His Majesty's inspectors to see that this requirement is met, but I have no statistical information as to the particular means adopted to comply with it.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of separate charges of ill-treatment of ponies used below ground in mines heard in court in 1933, and, so far, in 1934; the number of convictions and total amount paid in fines; the ages of the persons prosecuted in each case; whether any of the injured ponies had to be destroyed; and if there was reason to believe that the injured ponies had been employed for more than one shift per day before the injury was inflicted in any case, or whether the drivers were unsuitable?
§ Mr. BROWNInformation for the year 1933 as to the number of charges, number of convictions and total amount paid in fines, is contained in Table 61 of my Department's Annual Report for that year. Similar information for 1934 is not yet available. The other particulars desired by the hon. Member are not available.