§ Mr. Watsonasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the danger run by the miners employed at certain collieries in the event of the shafts being damaged in air-raids; whether any scheme has recently been brought to the notice of his Department to avert that danger; and can he give an assurance that steps will be taken to ensure the escape of the men from these pits?
§ Mr. GrenfellNo such danger would arise unless the winding arrangements at both shafts of a mine were put out of action at the same time, which is very unlikely to happen. But, as my hon. Friend knows, there has been provided, in every coalfield, transportable winding gear which can be taken to a mine and used to raise men from one or both shafts. Schemes for providing a third means of exit from each of the pits which I understand my hon. Friend has in mind, have been closely studied in consultation with the management and representatives of the workmen, but the conclusion reached is that this is not practicable in the circumstances.