§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines the number of mines in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland, and South Wales, respectively, at which horses and ponies have been during the last three months out of the stables at work for more than one shift per day or more than seven or nine shifts per week?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe information asked for is not available. A general investigation made in 1931, however, showed that, except in South Wales, less than one-third of the horses employed worked more than six shifts per week and only a very small proportion more than eight. In South Wales the proportions were then somewhat higher, but a further investigation made in that area this year indicates that it is in present circumstances unusual for any horse to work more than one shift a day.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary for Mines how many mines out of the total of 363 mines employing horses below ground in 1932 in South Wales provided a regular supply of bedding for the horses in their underground stables; 522W the names where bedding of any kind is regularly provided for the horses; and whether the horses lie down to sleep in any of such mines whether bedding is provided or not, and, if so, in which?
§ Mr. BROWNNo statistical information is available, but it is the general and regular practice both in the district named and throughout the country to use sawdust, moss-litter or some other material of the kind. I regret that I cannot answer the last part of the question.