§ Mr. Denvilleasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the Report of his Departmental Committee on the mechanisation and technical efficiency in British collieries is likely to be available by the spring or summer of 1945; whether it will be made public; and whether it will take into account the contents of the recent confidential report of the American experts.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe answer to the first two parts of the question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the last part, the Report of the American Mission has been made available in confidence to the members of the Committee who will, presumably, have regard to its contents.
§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the Report of the American technical experts on British 1072W coalmines will be made available to members of the Committee appointed by him to report on the future of mechanisation in British coal production.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe Report referred to by my hon. Friend was made available in confidence to the members of the Technical Advisory Committee in October last.
§ Sir W. Edgeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if experience has shown that mechanisation of any coalmines in this country, incuding those in the Midlands, is or is not productive of increased dust; and whether this is proving prejudicial to the health of miners.
Major Lloyd GeorgeIn general, the substitution of machine mining for hand methods may increase the production of coal dust. The position continues to be carefully watched by my technical advisers and inspectors, who will not hesitate to press for the further extension of measures for dust suppression and prevention where necessary. A considerable degree of mechanisation has been reached in the Midlands area, but there is no definite evidence to suggest that the health of miners has been prejudiced thereby.