asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that workmen are employed for shifts of 10 ½ hours duration at some of the underground excavation works in connection with munition storage works in South Wales; that these men are engaged in boring and blasting operations and are exposed to dust; whether these mines have been visited by his inspectors; and whether he will investigate the conditions in which these men work?

The Mines and Quarries Acts do not extend to such excavations, and therefore neither I nor the Mines Inspectorate have power to deal with them; but if the hon. Member will let me know privately what works he has in mind, I will endeavour to make some enquiries into the matter.