§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of horses used below ground in coal mines at the end of June, 1951; and the number used below ground in the Durham and 47W Northern (N. and C.) Divisions, as well as in the other divisions, at the same date.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd:The latest information available is as follows:
NUMBER OF HORSES USED BELOW GROUND IN COAL MINES AT 30TH JUNE, 1950 Division Scottish … 139 Northern (N. and C.) … 2,427 Durham … 6,870 North Eastern … 2,582 North Western … 59 East Midlands … 1,333 West Midlands … 776 South Western … 3,154 South Eastern … — Great Britain … 17,340
§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average annual rate of reduction in the number of horses and ponies used in coal mines in each of the 10-year periods from 1920 to 1930, 1930 to 1940 and from 1940 to 1950; and the reasons for the reduction rate in the respective periods.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd:The average annual rates of reduction in the number of horses and ponies used in coal mines in the 10-year periods ended 1930, 1940 and 1950 were 1,810, 1,880 and 1,250 respectively. These reductions reflect the increasing mechanisation of the mines.