§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of explosions in coal mines attributable to the use of electricity in Scotland and England and Wales, respectively, during the last 10 years; and whether, in view of the danger involved, any consideration has been given to the possibility of abolishing this form of haulage?
§ Mr. LloydIn Scotland 13 explosions were due to electricity out of 246 explosions from all causes, and in England and Wales 20 were due to electricity out of 214 from all causes. As regards the second part of the question, I would point out that the use of electricity for 235W haulage purposes is only one of many uses to which electricity is put, and that the whole subject has been considered in all its aspects by the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines.