§ MR. A. C. MORTON (Peterborough)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that another accident has occurred at the New Battle Collieries, Midlothian, resulting in the death of James Lynch, who was boiled or steamed to death while cleaning out a boiler, there being no person in charge of the boiler at the time he was doing this dangerous work; and whether he proposes to hold a public inquiry?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, BridgetonThere has been a full inquiry into the circumstances attending this unfortunate case, both by the police and by the Inspector of Mines. The Report of the Inspector of Mines is made to the Home Office, and any question regarding it should be addressed to that Department. The ease is not one of a character with respect to which a Commission for a public inquiry has ever been issued under the existing law; but such a case would be made the subject of a public inquiry under the Bill which, as the hon. Member is aware, will shortly be introduced.
§ MR. A. C. MORTONCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me the date of the inquiries by the police and the Procurator Fiscal?
§ SIR G. TREVELYANI have not the dates here, but I will supply them to the hon. Member.