HC Deb 28 June 1910 vol 18 cc825-7
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that when the decision to wall up the intake airway of the Wellington Pit, Whitehaven, was come to, on 13th May, Mr. J. Hanlon, the representative of the workmen and the leader of the first band of explorers, was in the office but was not consulted, nor was his opinion taken in regard to the proposed walling up; and whether he can say who the workmen were whose opinion was taken?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The hon. Member appears to have misunderstood the answer which I gave to his previous question on the 16th instant. I did not say that any workmen had been formally consulted, but that, though they or their representatives had the opportunity of expressing their opinion at the time— both Mr. Hanlon and also, as I am now informed, Mr. Mather, the delegate for the Wellington Pit miners, being present in the office when the decision was taken— no representations were made by them until many hours afterwards. I have no doubt that, had any opinion been expressed by the workmen's representatives, at the time, it would have received consideration, but it is inconceivable that they could have brought forward any considerations which would have led to an alteration in the decision which was arrived at. Every responsible person who was consulted in the matter was entirely convinced that no other decision was possible.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the decision was not known to the miners till long after the consultation, and that as soon as the fact came to their knowledge they made representations against it?

Mr. CHURCHILL

My information is that their delegates were in the room when the decision was taken. I have to go by the information I have received.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Has it not been decided to keep this mine closed for a further period of three months, although it is known that the fire is extinct?

Mr. CHURCHILL

An attempt was made to penetrate the mine about a week ago, and it was found to be full of dangerous gases.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

No matter how long the mine remains closed these gases have got to be extracted. Would it not be wise in the interests of those who have been deprived of their living to open the mine as early as possible?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is rather a question of argument.