§ Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many pit ponies were engaged in the coalmines in this country in 1925, and how many in 1945; and whether it is his intention to withdraw all ponies from the coalmines and install mechanical haulage.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn 1925 the total number of horses and ponies employed at coalmines was 60,852. By 1945 this number had fallen to 23,491, and I have no doubt that it will continue to fall and that horses and ponies for underground haulage will be gradually displaced as the reorganisation of the industry proceeds.