§ 125. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of coalmines in Durham, Northumberland, Yorkshire and South Wales, using tubs or trams fitted with ball-bearing wheels that reduce excessive friction and increase haulage efficiency below ground; and whether he will consider prohibiting the use of tubs not fitted with ball-bearings within a reasonable limit of time.
§ Mr. ShinwellThere are 16 coal mines in the areas mentioned where tubs or trams fitted with ball or roller bearing wheels are used. In present circumstances I see no justification for making their use compulsory, since the mere substitution of anti-friction bearings alone will not add materially to haulage efficiency or safety without wider measures of general reorganisation being carried out. Modernisation of haulage methods under the National Coal Board will, no doubt, enable full advantage to be taken of anti-friction bearings in appropriate conditions, but this is only one factor in the general reorganisation of underground haulage.