Dr. Morganasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the accident rate for the 3,700 colliery labour force in the Nigerian Government-owned colliery near Enugu; what percentage of the accidents were injuries of the lower limb; whether the hewers are protected by leg guards; and whether the Report of the Nigerian Colliery Department is available for Parliamentary information?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanThe number of injuries per thousand employees at the colliery in the years 1937–38, 1938–39 and 1939–40 were 239, 248 and 142 respectively. Figures are not available for subsequent years but the Governor is being asked to supply them. As regards the second part of the Question, the latest information is contained in the annual report on the colliery for the year 1938, a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend, which indicates that 37 per cent. of the accidents sustained during that year consisted of injuries to the foot and that 20 per cent. were injuries to the leg. During recent years increasing attention has been devoted by the colliery welfare officer to the prevention and treatment of accidents with highly satisfactory results. Boots, leggings and safety hats have been supplied. First-aid classes, lectures on accident prevention and exhibits of cinematograph films prepared by the Safety in Mines Research Board are regularly held.
Dr. Morganasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the welfare conditions in the Government-owned Nigerian colliery near Enugu have been improved in the past year; whether a medical officer is now available for the 8,000 community of Government dependants, workers and their families; whether adequate housing is now available for the 3,600 colliery workers, and an 544W increase has been made in the 687 quarters previously available; and whether a labour or welfare officer for this Government establishment has been appointed to deal with the complaints as to part-time employment fluctuating colliery output and inadequate diet?
§ Mr. MacmillanDuring the last two years conditions generally at the colliery have been very considerably improved. The measures which have been taken include the posting of an additional medical officer at Enugu, who visits the colliery daily; improvements with regard to the prevention and treatment of injuries due to accidents, including the provision of first-aid stations both on the surface and underground, the training in first-aid of a number of the workers, and the introduction of protective equipment; and the appointment of three female welfare workers to supervise the well-being of the women and children in the villages situated in the neighbourhood of the colliery. The Governor reports that there has been an all-round improvement in general health conditions. There is a staff welfare officer at the colliery, and during the absence on leave of this officer, an inspector of labour was seconded to the colliery and carried out effective work in connection with the labour side of the colliery organisation. A grant of £104,000 has been made from the Colonial Development and Welfare Vote for the purpose of undertaking a comprehensive scheme for housing colliery workers, involving the provision of over 900 rooms; the buildings will comprise detached and semidetached cottages and the lay-outs include provision for social halls for meetings and recreation. Work on the scheme was begun early this year and a number of houses have been built.