HC Deb 14 June 1938 vol 337 cc77-8W
Mr. Whiteley

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the number of mines in each district where shot-firing takes place and the types of safety stemming plugs that are at present in use?

Captain Crookshank

The following table shows the number of mines in each inspection division in which any explosive was used during the year 1937. There were 1,751 such mines out of a total of 2,120 at work. I am informed that the Voortman stemming plug is used at certain mines, but I do not know of any other type of patent plug in use.

Mines under the Coal Mines Act in which explosives were used during the year 1937.
Inspection Division. Number of mines where any explosive was used.
1. Scotland 382
2. Northern 320
3. Yorkshire 193
4. North Midland 149
5. North Western 212
6. Cardiff and Forest of Dean. 168
7. Swansea 177
8. Midland and Southern 150
Great Britain 1,751

Mr. Whiteley

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will now consider the Voortman safety stemming plug as a measure to be adopted in all cases of shot-firing?

Captain Crookshank

The advantages of this plug have been considered, but as at present advised I am not prepared to make its use compulsory.