§ MR. RENDALLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a petition handed him from the inhabitants of Staple Hill and Mangots-field, Gloucestershire, setting forth the danger to life, limb, health, and property which is the result of the proceedings of the Staple Hill Colliery Company, Limited; and whether, having regard to the fact that the inhabitants of the neighbourhood have been excited by increasing fears of what may happen, and there is grave danger of a breach of the peace, he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to a prosecution if deemed necessary.
§ *MR. GLADSTONEI have had under consideration the petition referred to in the Question and have obtained a report from the Inspector of Mines as to the mining operations that are being carried on by this company. The proceedings of which complaint is made in the petition appear to be outside the jurisdiction possessed by me under the Mines Regulation Acts; but I am making further inquiries into the matter, and will communicate later with the hon. Member.