§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked the Secretary for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a fatal accident that has recently occurred on the New Pit, Maltby, near Doncaster; whether any inquest has yet been held upon the occurrence; if so, with what result; if the inspector made any report upon the accident; and, if so, the nature of such report?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI understand the question to refer to the fatal accident which happened last Thursday at the Maltby Mam Sinking Pit. An inquest has not yet been held, as the body of the man who lost his life has not yet been recovered. I have, however, received a preliminary report from the inspector, from which it appears that a rope by which pipes were being drawn out of the shaft slipped through the clamps by which it was held, and the tackle falling into the shaft, swept with it one of the men who was helping to receive the pipes at the pit top. The cause of the accident is not at present clear, but investigation is, of course, proceeding.
§ Mr. J. WARDDid the inspector in his report enumerate the number of fatal accidents that have already occurred to the men engaged in this one pit?
§ Mr. GLADSTONENo, Sir.
§ Mr. J. WARDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that means a very substantial number?
§ Mr. GLADSTONENo, Sir; but as my hon. Friend has drawn my attention to it I will look into it.