§ 33 and 34. Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Power (1) whether he is aware that the recommendations of the Royal Commission on which the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, was based were made when some 40,000 ponies were used in the mines, that now there are many miles of conveyors used daily underground and that there are no or insufficient statutory provisions or regulations concerning their working; and if he will take steps to ensure that miners suffering accidents arising out of the use of conveyors have the same right to claim damages as 38W workers who suffer injuries as a consequence of the use of conveyors in factories;
(2) wheher he is aware that the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, was based upon recommendations made 16 years previously and that it fails to provide the protection needed as a consequence of the increased mechanisation in the pits; and what steps he will take to review it.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe special conditions of working in mines are quite unlike those in factories, and my right hon. Friend has no reason to think that the protection given by the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, and the Regulations made thereunder is inadequate. The Act lays down principles and provides the power to implement these principles by Regulations. By these means safety requirements are kept constantly up to date in the light of changing circumstances in the industry.
§ 38. Mr. Varleyasked the Minister of Power if he will now, in view of the seriousness of accidents in the coal mines, set up an inquiry, with the responsibility of reporting to him upon the desirability of reviewing the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe number of fatal and other serious accidents per 100,000 manshifts worked has fallen during each of the last two years. I have no reason to think that any amendment of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, would lead to a further reduction.
§ Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Power whether he is aware that the operation of Section 157 of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, is oppressive and deprives miners from successfully pursuing claims in accidents arising out of unfenced machinery in the mines; and whether he will seek to repeal that section so that miners are afforded the same protection as enjoyed by factory workers under Section 14 of the Factory Act 1937.
§ Mr. John MorrisI am not aware that Section 157 of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, operates unfairly on miners as compared with factory workers in the manner suggested.
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§ Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Power if, in view of the large degree of mechanisation which has taken place in the mining industry since the passage of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to see what further measures are necessary to protect those engaged in the industry.
§ Mr. John MorrisI would refer my right hon. Friend to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Abse) today.