HC Deb 18 December 1945 vol 417 c1297W
Mr. P. Freeman

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider a regulation making compulsory the attachment of an electric battery lamp to the collars of horses and ponies used in the coal mines, as is the case in Canadian coal mines, in the interest of greater safety and efficiency and for the protection of the animals concerned.

Mr. Shinwell

Trials were made with horse lamps as long ago as 1930 and some arc still in use, but the number is not large, and it is difficult to form a reliable opinion as to whether they make any effective contribution to safety and efficiency. I will, however, make further inquiry, although I would remind my hon. Friend that every pony driver carries a light.