HC Deb 22 July 1890 vol 347 cc504-5
MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Mr. Pinching, the Inspector of Mines in Cornwall, was instructed by the Government to inquire into the excessive rate of mortality among the miners of Cornwall; whether he can state what steps Mr. Pinching took to acquaint himself with the facts as to the prevalence of the disease, its causes, its results, and the best remedies; whether he has received from Mr. Pinching any evidence upon the subject, or any written Report in addition to the opinion telegraphed on the 14th instant; whether he is aware that no notice whatever of any such intended inquiry was given in the county and among those principally interested in the subject, namely, the miners themselves, and that, consequently, no evidence on the part of the miners can possibly have been placed before the Inspector; and whether, as no inquiry will be satisfactory or command the confidence of the mining population which is not thorough and public, he will cause such an inquiry to be held in the locality?

* MR. STUART WORTLEY

The hon. Member seems to be under some misapprehension as to what has taken place. No special inquiry has been ordered, or is being held. In the ordinary course, the question of the hon. Member, when it first appeared on the Paper, was referred to the Inspector for his Report and observations. It may be assumed that the Inspector had made himself acquainted, in the ordinary discharge of his duties, with the necessary facts, without taking special steps to investigate a matter which had for many years past been engaging the attention of the Department, and which was specially reported upon in 1888, with a view to the amendment of the existing law. The Inspector's written Report has not yet been received. The Government are already in possession of what information they require to enable them to deal with the question of improving the conditions of work in Cornish and other metalliferous mines, so far as they can be improved by legislation, and a further inquiry of the nature suggested by the hon. Member does not seem to be necessary.

MR. CONYBEARE

IS it the fact that the Home Office have received a telegraphic opinion, from Mr. Pinching, and do they intend to act upon that telegraphic opinion?

* MR. STUART WORTLEY

The Bill has been drafted which is to deal with the question.

MR. CONYBEARE

Will the Bill be introduced this Session, so that the Representatives of the miners may have an opportunity of considering it before the Winter Session?

* MR. STUART WORTLEY

I am unable to say.

MR. CONYBEARE

Do the Government share the opinion of Mr. Pinching that everything that is necessary is done for the miners, and that they are in no danger?

* MR. STUART WORTLEY

That is a matter of opinion upon which the hon. Gentleman will be able to form his own judgment when he sees the Bill.