§ MR. BURT (Morpeth)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he can now give any information relative to the shaft accident which occurred at Douglas Bank Colliery, Wigan, on Friday last; and, whether he can say what steps will be taken to ensure a searching investigation into the cause of the accident?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I have received a Report from the Inspector as to the Douglas Bank Colliery accident, who informs me that he has made a careful examination of the shaft and fittings, and he found that the bucket in its descent had become entangled with a wire signal rope, and was thus upset. The bucket ought to have passed about four feet clear of the signal rope. The Inspector was himself lowered rapidly in the shaft to see what clearance there was; and he considers it to be ample, and that the machinery and fittings are excellent. The inquest is being held to-day, when I hope that the causes of this sad accident will be fully elucidated.