§ Mr. H. B. SHERIDANsaid, he would beg leave to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether with reference to the recent calamitous accident at the Hartley Coal Pit, he has received any information from the inspectors of mines with reference to the necessity of there being two shafts to each working mine; and whether his attention has been drawn to the verdict of the Jury at the coroner's inquest at Newcastle, and the recommendation contained therein, that all working collieries should have a second shaft or outlet, and the further recommendation with reference to the beams of colliery engines being made of malleable instead of cast metal; and further, whether it is his intention to take any, and what, 189 steps in connection with these proceedings and recommendations?
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, he thought the question of the hon. Gentleman had been partly answered by the papers upon the subject which had been laid on the table of the House, containing a copy of a circular, addressed to the inspectors and the instructions to Mr. Blackwell. The report of Mr. Blackwell, when received, would, no doubt, be found to contain valuable information; and that information and any suggestions he might offer, together with the answers to the circular, would be carefully considered, with the view to the adoption of such measures as might appear practicable to prevent the recurrence of such a fearful loss of life as had occurred at the Hartley Colliery.