Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that a number of pit ponies have recently been cast from various mines as unfit for further work and have been brought to the surface so weak and ill that they have had to be destroyed; and what steps are taken to ensure that animals working in the pits receive humane treatment.
§ Mr. GaitskellI have no knowledge of the cases mentioned by the hon. Member, but if he will send me further details I will have inquiries made. The care and treatment of animals working in mines is strictly regulated by the Coal Mines Act, 1911. In addition to seven inspectors of horses, who spend their whole time in enforcing the law in this respect, other members of the Mines Inspectorate give part of their time to this work. All complaints made to my Department, whether 375W anonymous or otherwise, are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken wherever necessary. All horses underground are in the care of competent horse-keepers, and it is part of the horse-keeper's duty not to allow any horse to go out to work in an unfit condition.