§ MR. T. BURT (Morpeth)I should like to ask the Home Secretary if he can give the House any further information relating to the disaster at the Whitwick Collieries, near Leicester?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir M. W. RIDLEY,) Lancashire, BlackpoolI have nothing later or more satisfactory than what I have seen in the newspapers. The latest telegram I received about 2 o'clock today, from the chief inspector, Mr. Stokes, which says—
Consultation of the mining engineers and managers of the neighbouring collieries with self and both assistants held this morning from 8 till 11; and, after long discussion, they think there is very little hope of any of the men being alive. Steps are being taken to reach the men and ascertain without doubt their position. The number of men missing is 34.
§ House adjourned at 5.35.