HC Deb 25 March 1889 vol 334 cc717-8
MR. PENWICK (Northumberland, Wansbeck)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention had been called to a report in the Labour Tribune touching the death of the 20 colliers at Pendwell Colliery, in North Wales; whether it is true that William Parry, fireman, stated in his evidence "that, on the morning of the explosion, when he visited the spot where it took place, he heard gas blowing or singing at the top end of the back brow;" and whether any mention of this fact appears in the Report Book, as provided for in Rule 4, Section 1, of "The Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887?"

MR. MATTHEWS

I have seen a report of the inquest. William Parry gave evidence as quoted; but he also stated that he tried for gas with his lamp and found none, and for that reason did not report the presence of gas in the Report Book. The inspector has personally examined the back brow in question, and informs me that he heard the singing noise, but that there was no gas present, and the noise was due principally to water. The back brow had been standing for the last three years, and in the opinion of the inspector it is impossible that gas of any importance would be given off after such a lapse of time.

MR. FENWICK

Is the Home Secretary aware that Parry, in his evidence in answer to the Coroner, said that he had made no report as to finding gas?

MR. MATTHEWS

I cannot answer as to the exact words, but the substance of the evidence was that he had made no report, because, having searched for gas, he found none.

MR. FENWICK

Is the Home Secretary aware that no report of the examination was made in the book in accordance with Rule 50 of the Mines Regulation Act, 1887?

MR. MATTHEWS

I read the whole section to be that a report is to be made if gas is found. Parry, rightly or wrongly, although he heard a noise, came to the conclusion that there was no gas. He searched, but found no gas, and, therefore, we need no report.

MR. FENWICK

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that a report ought not to be made in every case, either as to the presence of gas or the condition of the roof?

MR. MATTHEWS

If the hon. Member will look at Rule 4 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, he will find the words there.

MR. FENWICK

I beg to give notice that I will put a further question on this subject.