§ Mr. RITSONasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that horse-keepers are expected to devote all their time to the duties of looking after horses and that it is the practice in certain collieries to give them work of another character, he will inquire into this matter?
1073W
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNeither the Coal Mines Act of 1911 nor the regulations require a horse-keeper to give his whole time to the duty of looking after the horses and stables and there are cases where it would be quite unnecessary. I have no information of horse-keepers being given work which would prevent them from carrying out thoroughly their statutory duties, but if the hon. Member has specific cases in mind I shall be obliged if he will bring them to my notice.