asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the large number of accidents and the great loss of life caused by shots that have missed fire and others that have blown out, he will take steps to make compulsory the use of safety appliances which will help to prevent accidents of this kind?

As stated in my reply of 18th May, to a question asked by the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. G. Barker), it is very doubtful whether the use of safety appliances could have prevented the vast majority of these accidents. The few which might have been prevented were due to breaches of the existing law and regulations and would not have happened if these had been complied with. I am, however, giving careful consideration to the ques- tion whether any further steps can be taken to lessen the risk of accidents from this cause.