§ 36. Mr. WADSWORTHasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to a fatal accident which occurred at the Barnsley Main Colliery, near Barnsley, on Wednesday, 5th March, 1913, through the non-supply of suitable timber; if he is aware that the men have to saw their own timber in suitable lengths, and that suitable timber should be supplied by the firemen, examiners, or deputies, in accordance with Clause 51 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911; and, seeing that the two men working in this place were new to the colliery and unaccustomed to the seam and conditions existing there, will he say what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have made inquiry with regard to this case. The inspector for the division informs me that it was stated in evidence at the inquest, held last Thursday, that the props sent into the workings were not suitable in point of length, but, in his opinion, the accident was not attributable to this, but to the method of timbering in force. The in- 242 spector has already communicated with the management of the mine on the question of the supply of timber of suitable lengths.
§ Mr. W. E. HARVEYIs it not a violation of the Mines Regulation Act when men have to saw their own timber; is it not a fact that the owners have to provide timber of proper lengths?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Gentleman will see that I have answered that. It is the precise point upon which the inspector is communicating with the management of the mine.
§ Mr. W. E. HARVEYIf it is a violation of the Act, what does the Home Secretary propose to do?
§ Mr. McKENNATo communicate with the management of the mine, and call attention to it.
§ Mr. W. E. HARVEYWhy not a prosecution?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe will communicate with the management of the mine first.