§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries at which an approved scheme of training, both theoretical and practical, is in force for boys under 16 years of age who are intended for pony driving and other work below ground; the number of weeks given for such training both above and below ground; and whether he is satisfied with the present methods of training and is prepared to ensure the general adoption of any improved scheme?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe lines which are being followed in the organisation of courses of instruction for the collective training of pit boys in matters of safety are explained in the Annual Report of the Secretary for Mines for 1932. The movement was started in Yorkshire and has spread to Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Durham and Northumberland, and to parts of Lancashire, Staffordshire and South Wales. The courses now in progress cover between 5,000 and 6,000 boys, and further developments are being planned in several districts. The length of the courses varies from 10 to 25 weeks. Good progress is being made, and I shall continue to give all possible help to promote the further development of this most useful work and its extension to all the coalfields.