HC Deb 03 August 1894 vol 28 cc19-20
MR. D. A. THOMAS

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the statement made in the verdict of the Coroner's Jury on the Celfynydd Colliery explosion, that they considered the present examinations by the workmen's representatives are worthless; and whether, under the 38th General Rule of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, the workmen employed in a mine can appoint two workmen from another mine, or a check weigher, to make an inspection on their behalf; and, if not, whether he will make provision in the Coal Mines (Check Weigher) Bill, now before the House, enabling a check weigher to enter the mine at any time for purposes of inspection or otherwise, provided he does not interfere with the working of the mine?

MR. ASQUITH

My attention has been called to the verdict of the Coroner's Jury on the Celfynydd Colliery explosion. By the 38th Rule of The Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, the persons employed in a mine may appoint two of their number, or any two persons, not being mining engineers, who are practical working miners, to make an inspection on their behalf. This would certainly enable them to appoint two miners from another mine.

MR. D. A. THOMAS

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question?

MR. ASQUITH

I do not see any necessity for legislation in this direction. As I have already stated, the check weigher is a practical working miner, and, as the men have power to appoint two on their own behalf, I do not think the law needs altering.