§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there has been a lightning strike at the Usworth Colliery arising out of pit ponies being worked continuously for 16 hours, so that the putters on the night shift found the ponies too fatigued to draw the tubs; what action he proposes to take; and if he has any statement to make?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI am aware that a small number of putters employed in one district at Usworth Colliery stopped working for one shift last week because of a complaint about one pony, which, in exceptional circumstances, it was proposed to work for a second shift. There is no truth in the allegation that it was the practice at this colliery to work any ponies continuously for 16 hours. Normally the length of a pony's shift is 7 or 7½ hours with 16½ or 17 hours' rest. Occasionally the rest period is 9½ hours. The ponies have been recently inspected 1951W and are reported to be in good working condition, and to show no sign of overwork.