§ MR. H. VIVIANI wish to ask a Question of the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for the Home Department, of which I have given him Private Notice, Whether he has received any information as to the release of the unfortunate men entombed in the Troedyrhiw Colliery, near Pontypridd; and, if not released, whether he can state what prospect there is of their being saved?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, I wish I had more definite and satisfactory information to give than I am afraid it is in my power to give as to the condition of these poor men. I was very much grieved at receiving this morning, at 8 o'clock, this telegram from the Inspector at the mine—" Matters working very unfavourably owing to water rising where the five men are shut in. I will telegraph again." I communicated by telegraph in the course of the morning, and I received the following telegram at 2 o'clock, which I communicated to the newspapers:—"Matters much more favourable, great hopes still of recovering all five alive." Since I came to my place in this House I have had a message kindly placed in my hands from a newspaper reporter stating that these telegrams are reliable, and that the men have been recovered and are under shelter elsewhere. But I have no official confirmation of that fact. The moment I receive it—as I hope I shall receive it in the course of the evening—I will take care to place it in a conspicuous part of the House for the information of hon. Members.