§ MR. ALBERT STANLEY (Staffordshire, N.W.)asked the Home Secretary if he could give the House any information as to the cause of the Hamstead colliery disaster, the number of workmen still imprisoned in the burning mine, and the steps being taken to rescue them.
§ MR. GLADSTONEsaid he was not able to state at present how the fire originated in the disastrous and lamentable accident at Hamstead. He was informed that at present there were twenty-six persons still below ground. There appeared to be some faint hope that some lives might be rescued. The only information he had at the moment was a telegram from the inspector of mines on the spot, sent two hours ago, which ran:—"Existing fans started to reverse air current at 12.15. The delay was due to cutting shaft-lining to form communications. The effect appeared satisfactory. Expect rescue cage to descend in an hour."