asked the Secretary of Mines, in view of the increasing use of steel props in mines and the increased employment in both steel and coal trades that will result from their use, the nature of the reports he has received from the mines where they are in use?

The subject is fully discussed in the published Annual Reports of the Divisional Inspectors and of the Chief Inspector of Mines, to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend. The general tenour of the reports is that steel supports, properly applied, make for safer working under most conditions, and that for this reason an increased use of them is very desirable.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how many steel supports will be required to prop up the Government at the next election?