§ In reply to Mr. BURT (Morpeth),
THE SECRETARY or STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr.) MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.) saidI received a telegram from the Inspector early this morning, to the effect, I regret to say, that 28 lives had been lost, and that 17 bodies were still in the pit, which is being flooded to extinguish the fire. The Inspector is now on his way to the place, which he expects to reach about 4, when he will telegraph again.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the accident was caused by the firing of shot?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI am not able to say; but I gather not.