§ MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the lamentable colliery explosions which occur from time to time, and to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the connection of coal dust with these explosions, he will give such facilities to that portion of the Coal Mines Bill which deals with the saving of human life as will insure its passing into law, leaving, if needful, the more contentious proposals to be dealt with hereafter?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI have consulted with my right 1014 hon. Friend in charge of the Bill, and he informs me that he thinks the course suggested by the hon. Gentleman will be one well worthy of the attention of the House. If the parts of the Bill dealing with colliery explosions be treated as a non-controversial Measure, he will be prepared to drop for the present Session other clauses which, however important, must necessarily give rise to Debate.