HC Deb 22 March 1898 vol 55 cc553-4
MR. J. CALDWELL (Lanark, Mid)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the date of the last inspection by Her Majesty's Inspector of the mine near Muirkirk, Ayrshire, preceding the recent fatal accident; what was the extent of the inspection then made; and whether and to what extent Her Majesty's Inspector and the owners of the mine were aware that the present workings were approaching old workings, and what precautions, if any, were taken against accidents?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir M. W. RIDLEY,) Lancashire, N., Blackpool

As all the points involved in the hon. Member's Question will probably come under consideration during the inquiry now pending, I do not think it would be right for me at present to give any answer, as it might possibly seem to affect that inquiry.