asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is in a position to state whether all, or how many, mineworkers are called upon to pay for the artificial light they use to follow their employment; and can he ascertain what is the annual cost to each worker where he is called upon to pay?

I am aware that in some cases mine workers are called upon to bear some or all of the cost in respect of lamps, but the practice is by no means universal or uniform where it exists. I regret that I have no statistical information.

Cannot the hon. and gallant Member find out for me the number of pits where this is being done? Is it not possible for the inspectors to find this out?

It would be a big undertaking, and they have considerable duties to carry out in the interests of safety.

Is it not a fact that the cost is 6d. per week, which is 26s. a year out of their money?

I have no statistical information, and I cannot confirm or deny the information of the hon. Member.