Written Answers
Coal Industry
Pit Ponies
asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that pit ponies are often subjected to double shifts; whether he is satisfied that sufficient pit ponies are employed for the work they are called on to do; what provisions are made to see that these animals obtain proper food and rest; and whether, until such time as mechanical haulage is possible, he will instruct his inspectors to make surprise visits at night in order to check the overworking and possible cruelty to horses in mines?
The provision of a sufficient number of ponies for the work to be done, and the many requirements of the Coal Mines Act for the proper care and treatment of the ponies, are matters which receive daily the critical care and attention of H.M. Inspectors of Horses, whose visits to the mines, whether by day or night, are made without notice to the management. I will consider the suggestion that additional visits should be made at night. I am satisfied that, on the whole, there is no general ground for complaint in any of the matters referred to.
Pit Explosions (Gas Detectors)
asked the Secretary for Mines when he proposes to make it compulsory on all owners of collieries to use an approved and efficient gas detector and thus prevent the needless loss of miners' lives by possible explosions?
The most generally useful and reliable gas detector for use in mines—and the only detector which can detect black-damp as well as firedamp—is the flame safety lamp; and the use of approved types of flame safety lamps for these purposes is already compulsory in all mines where there is likely to be danger from gas.
Coal Mines Bill
asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a communication from the West Yorkshire Coal Owners' Association setting forth the views of the association in respect of the Coal Mines Bill?
A communication from the West Yorkshire Coal Owners' Association on this subject has just reached me.
Bread (Price)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the varying discrepancies between the price of wheat and the price of bread; will he again bring this matter to the notice of the Food Council; and will he state what further action, if any, he proposes to take to ensure that the public get their bread as cheaply as possible?
The price of bread is related to the price of flour, and, as I have already informed the House, the prices charged by bakers for bread are under continuous review by the Food Council, who from time to time take such action as they think desirable.
Devonport Dockyard Employes
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the figures showing the total number of men, established and hired, respectively, employed in Devonport Dockyard in each of the months of this year?
The numbers of work-people at the several dates were:
| — | Established. | Hired. | Total. |
| 1929. | |||
| 23rd February | 3,168 | 7,170 | 10,338 |
| 30th March | 3,156 | 7,348 | 10,504 |
| 27th April | 3,156 | 7,497 | 10,653 |
| 25th May | 3,143 | 7,575 | 10,718 |
| 29th June | 3,144 | 7,185 | 10,329 |
| 27th July | 3,141 | 7,268 | 10,409 |
| 31st August | 3,131 | 7,277 | 10,408 |
| 28th September | 3,090 | 7,071 | 10,161 |
| 26th October | 3,078 | 7,290 | 10,368 |
| 30th November | 3,064 | 7,532 | 10,596 |
Swine Fever, Suffolk
asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the intensity of the epidemic of swine fever in the Stowmarket area, and if his Department is taking special steps to deal with the situation?
My Department has had the swine fever position in the entire County of Suffolk under particular review for some weeks. In view of the serious spread of disease throughout the county it was necessary to declare the whole county to be a swine fever infected area as from 4th November, and for special regulations to be introduced governing the movement of pigs into, within, or out of the area, and restricting markets of swine in the area to fat pigs only. The local authority has, as an additional precaution, arranged for veterinary inspection at these authorised markets. The Ministry has supplemented its normal staff of veterinary inspectors in the county in order to cope with the situation.
Borough Boundaries Extensions (Glamorgan)
asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that several local authorities in Glamorgan wish to extend their boundaries; and, in view of the expenses of such schemes, will he appoint a commission to consult with the local authorities with the object of arriving at an agreement between them?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, it is the duty of the County Council under the Local Government Act, 1929, to review the county districts and to submit to me before the 1st April, 1932, proposals for any changes they consider desirable, after conferring with the County District Councils and consulting the adjoining County Borough Councils. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a memorandum on the subject which I have issued to Local Authorities.
Government Departments (New Buildings, Cardiff)
asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is his intention to erect new buildings in Cardiff for the Welsh Board of Health and the Ministry of Labour; and, if so, whether he will select the architect for such work by open competition?
In regard to the first part of the question, it is proposed to include provision in next year's Estimates for the erection of new buildings for the Welsh Board of Health and for the Ministry of Labour respectively in Cardiff. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
Old Age Pensions
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the number of persons resident in Scotland, but natives of the Irish Free State, who are in receipt of old age pensions, and the length of their time of residence in Scotland before they made application for such pensions?
I regret that the information requested is not available.