§ 117. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average annual reduction in the number of horses and ponies employed below ground in mines from 1922–28 and from 1928–44; and the average annual rate of increase in the proportion of the coal output carried by mechanical conveyors at or near the coal face since 1928.
§ Mr. Shinwell:The average annual reduction in the number of horses and ponies employed below ground in the 167W period 1922–1928 was 2,236. The corresponding figure for 1928–1944 was 1,596. The proportion of coal output carried by mechanical conveyors was 12 per cent. in 1928 and 69 per cent. in 1944, an average annual rate of increase of 3½ per cent.