§ MR. CAYLEYsaid, he would beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intended to employ any special means to ascertain the real circumstances under which the disastrous loss of 110 lives had just taken place, from an explosion in a coal mine in Glamorganshire. The report stated 110 lives, but he had since been informed that 120 lives had been lost.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, he had received an account of the unfortunate accident in question, both from the coroner and the inspector of the district. The coroner stated that the inspector was on the spot two hours after the occurrence had taken place, and that he rendered very valuable assistance in the prosecution of the subsequent inquiry. But he added, that in the then state of the coal pit, and amidst the excitement naturally consequent on the calamity, it was impossible its cause could at once be thoroughly investigated, and the inquest had therefore been adjourned to the 28th instant. The inspector wrote to say that, considering the extent of the calamity, in which it appeared that 114 lives had been lost, he wished to have the assistance of two other inspectors in watching the inquiry; and he (Sir G. Grey) had accordingly directed that that assistance should be given. A thorough and searching investigation would take place.