§ MR. MACDONALDasked the Under Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been directed to the recommendation of the coroner's jury who recently sat to inquire into the causes of the explosion which took place on the 21st January last at Lycett Colliery, North Stafford, whereby sixty-two persons lost their lives, and which is as follows:—"That blasting by powder should be discontinued altogether in fiery mines while men were working therein;" whether, considering the opinions of inspectors and coroner's juries on the subject, he will forthwith introduce a Bill having for its object the prohibition of blasting with gunpowder or other explosive substances in fiery mines, or regulating their use so that the loss of life from that cause may be prevented; and, whether, in accordance with the promise given by the late Government, he will lay upon the Table of the House a Copy of the proceedings which took place before the coroner's inquest?
§ MR. ARTHUR PEEL,in reply, said, that the attention of the Secretary of State for the Home Department had been called to the Report referred to. There was to be a meeting of the Mine Inspectors on the subject. There was also now sitting a Committee on "Explosions in Coal Mines." He had made inquiry when the Report of the Commission could be issued, and he found it might be a question of a few months; and they would report not only on the question of explosive substances, but on the use of lamps and other appliances in mines. There was great difference of opinion on the subject, and he would lay the Report on the Table as soon as he could.