§ MR. BROADHURST (for Mr. BURT)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether any information has been received as to the recent colliery explosion at Trimdon Grange; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to hold any special inquiry as to the cause of the disaster?
§ MR. HIBBERT (for Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT), in reply, said, that his right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department had received a telegram from Mr. Bell, Inspector of Mines, who was at present engaged at the mine where the explosion took place. It was as follows:—
I have to inform you that an explosion of gas took place in the Grange Colliery yesterday afternoon, causing the loss of nearly 60 lives; 16 bodies have been recovered, and the remainder will be brought up during the day. We have plenty of assistance. Mr. Wallis is 982 with me. The explorations are going on satisfactorily. I trust I have your authorization for asking my colleague to assist me.He might say that his right hon. and learned Friend had given that authorization. As to the second part of the hon. Member's inquiry, he was not in a position to answer it.