§ MR. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been called to the finding of the jury who investigated the Tyldesley explosion case report, by which seven lives were lost, and which runs—
The coroner, in summing up, advised the jury not to return a verdict of 'Manslaughter,' as it would be impossible to sustain it afterwards. 322 The jury were unanimously of opinion that these deaths were caused by a blown out shot assisted by gas, and they were of opinion that the mine had been badly managed, and that the managers and owners were all to blame for not providing a sufficient staff of men to carry on the works according to Act of Parliament;whether if, after the strong condemnation the jury passed upon the managers and owners, he will order them to be prosecuted, notwithstanding the direction of the coroner; further, if he will instruct that an investigation be made into the conduct of the managers if they hold certificates, the inquiry to be in conformity with the terms of the 32nd Clause of the Mine Act, 1872; and, if such neglect be proved as the jury indicate, that their certificates may be withdrawn in terms of said statute?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS,in reply, said, that he had not yet received the exact terms of the finding of the jury who investigated the case alluded to by the hon. Member. In two reports which he had seen there was some difference as to what their finding was; but he expected to receive a copy of the verdict in a day or two.