§ Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that at Newtown Colliery, Pendlebury, belonging to the Manchester Collieries, they have been contravening Clause 7 of the Explosions in Coal Mines Order Regulations, 1934, which relates to shot-firing on main haulage roads; and will he say what steps his Department intends to take with the colliery company?
§ Captain CrookshankI am aware of the fact stated, but, as I explained to a deputation from the Mineworkers' Federation on 15th October, I am advised by the Chief Inspector, after the fullest investigation, that there are exceptional circumstances which make it impracticable for the management to comply fully with the clause in question without detriment to 'safety in other important respects. In736W order to meet such exceptional cases, I propose to amend the Explosives Order by conferring on the Chief Inspector power, where he is satisfied that the firing of shots on a main road in circumstances not at present permitted by Clause 7 is necessary in the interests of safety, to allow such shots to be fired, subject to the observance of such precautions as he deems necessary and adequate. The Chief Inspector will consult the representatives of the workmen before exercising this power in individual cases.