§ MR. J. W. TAYLOR (Durham, Chester-le-Street)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to a case of overwinding at Usworth colliery, in the county of Durham, whereby one man was thrown down the pit and killed and several others injured; whether his attention has been drawn to an act of bravery by the onsetter, Moses Howarth, who, by his presence of mind and at great risk, prevented the descending cage, which was full of men, from being thrown into the sump; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.
§ MR. GLADSTONEAs regards the first part of the Question, I obtained a report of the facts as soon as the hon. Member's notice appeared on the Paper. As regards the second part, whenever a case of special personal gallantry in saving, or attempting to save, life, in mines is reported to me, I will give it my full and careful consideration. I submit, however, to my hon. friend that it would not be right for me to answer Questions in this House as to whether a recommendation should, or should not, be made to His Majesty in such a matter.