§ 22. Sir Harmar Nichollsasked the Minister of Power, in view of Recommendation 3 of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Mines and Quarries in his report on the Hapton Valley Explosion, what general instructions have been issued to colliery managers to review current shot-firing practice both as to efficiency and safety; and what changes in shot-firing technique and safety regulations the Hapton Valley management have instituted since the disaster.
§ Mr. PeytonThe Report on the Hapton Valley Colliery Explosion did not show any need to revise the statutory regulations which govern shot-firing. The National Coal Board is responsible for issuing instructions to colliery managers. I am informed that, while the Board has not issued general instructions, Production Directors of all divisions have undertaken to ensure that managers of collieries carry out the terms of Recommendation 3 of the Report. Her Majesty's Inspector in charge of the Division in which Hapton Valley is situated is satisfied that the management at the colliery has taken steps to eliminate irregularities in the use of explosives.