§ 47 .Mr. Kelleyasked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the increasing number of fatal accidents in the Yorkshire coalfield; how this compares with the national average; and what steps he will take, in conjunction with the National Coal Board, to ascertain the cause and effect a reduction.
§ 47 Mr. D. Griffithsasked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the increase in reportable accidents, necessitating more than three days off work in the Yorkshire coalfield; how this compares with the national average; and what steps he will take, in conjunction with the National Coal Board, to ascertain the cause and effect a reduction.
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§ 52. Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Power if he will carry out an inquiry into the reasons why fatal and non-fatal accidents and industrial diseases are increasing in the Yorkshire coalfield; how this is related to increased mechanisation of the mines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonThe numbers of men killed and reportably injured last year in Yorkshire, related to the number of manshifts worked, did not differ significantly from the national figures. Though the number of fatalities in Yorkshire increased sharply last year, the previous year was exceptional and there was no increase if the comparison is made with the average of the four preceding years.
The chief inspector is already making inquiries about accident causation in Yorkshire, including the effect of mechanisation. I will write to the hon. Members giving fuller details as soon as these inquiries are complete.