asked the Secretary for Mines to what extent the coal owners have complied with the order regarding the use of automatic gas detectors; how many companies have failed to install any up to date; and what action he proposes to take to deal with those in default on the appropriate date?

The regulation requiring the provision of automatic gas detectors does not come into force until 1st January, 1940. Nevertheless, in accordance with their undertaking given at the recent Arbitration, the Mining Association and the National Association of Colliery Managers have circularised their members urging them to comply with the regulation as soon as the necessary instruments can be obtained from the manufacturers.