§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of small 10-ton locomotives now used below grounds in mines; and what encouragement of the use of electric battery and diesel locomotives of this and smaller weight for haulage in mines at or near the coal face has been officially given by his Department.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloydlatest available figures relate to 31st December, 1950, when there were 313 locomotives of 12 tons weight or less used below ground in coal mines. The reply to the second part of the Question is that the installation of locomotives in coal mines is not a matter for my Department but for the N.C.B., who must have regard to the lay-out of the mines, the size and gradients of the roads, the safety with which they can be used, and other factors.