§ MR. BURT (Morpeth)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been called to certain statements of the workmen of the Dean Lane Colliery, near Bristol, alleging that the air-ways of the said mine were in a bad condition prior to the explosion which has resulted in the death of 10 persons and the serious injury of others; and, whether he can state what steps he will take to ensure a searching investigation into the cause of the explosion?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Yes, Sir, my attention has been called to these statements. I have directed that counsel shall attend the inquest which is to be resumed on Monday next; and, if necessary, I shall direct an inquiry into the cause of the explosion when the inquest is concluded.