§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Monmouthshire, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the report by Messrs. Galloway, S. T. Evans, and L. T. Robson, together with the finding of the jury on the Universal Colliery explosion, with reference to the necessity of further measures to enforce the watering of coal dust in mines; and whether he proposes to take any action thereupon.
§ * THE SECRETARY of STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE, Croydon)The answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. As to the second, I must point out that the Coal Mines Regulation Act requires that in dusty mines the roof and sides shall be thoroughly watered within twenty yards of the place where a shot is to be fired. The lamentable explosion is question will be an additional incentive to the endeavours of the inspectors to enforce this rule and to impress on owners of dusty mines the importance of thorough watering. It is also to be noted that in the Universal Colliery where the disaster occurred the system of watering by pipes is being rapidly extended. The question of further strengthening and extending the rules by legislation will be considered.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTThen I understand the right hon. Gentleman contemplates legislation on the subject?
§ * MR. RITCHIEThe question whether the existing rule shall be strengthened or extended by legislation will be care, fully considered