§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of horses and ponies employed below ground at present in the mines of each of the divisions in the United Kingdom; the number so employed 5, 10, 15 and 20 years ago; and how far the tendency to do away with horses and ponies in mines is being accelerated in view of the extent of coalface and general mine mechanisation.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe following are the particulars asked for:
159WFurther reductions in the number of horses employed underground may be expected to follow from increased substitution of mechanical transport for horse haulage.