HC Deb 16 April 1946 vol 421 cc393-4W
Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of power loaders in use in British mines for each year since 1942; the number of electric battery locomotives; the number of diesel locomotives; and whether tests are being made with suitable flame proof diesel loco-

The amount is divided approximately as follows:

of this machinery was supplied to this country under Lend-Lease terms.

This American type equipment is divided as follows:

motives in British mines of the kind used in German and Belgian collieries.

Mr. Shinwell:

The number of power loaders in use in British coal mines at the end of each of the years 1942 to 1945 was 21, 110, 192 and 260 (approximate figure) respectively. There are at the present time 10 electric battery locomotives and 43 diesel locomotives in operation below ground. No special tests are being carried out in connection with diesel locomotives. Those used in British collieries are of flame proof type, similar in design to the kind used in German and Belgian collieries.