HC Deb 09 February 1915 vol 69 cc406-7
19. Mr. JOHN TAYLOR

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the 28th April, 1914, a workman, named Arthur Ternet, was drowned in the Felling Colliery, near Gateshead, by an inrush of water caused by holing through old workings, and that at the inquest the jury found that the said inrush was caused by a gross breach of Section 68 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911; whether he authorised proceedings to be instituted against the manager or any other official of the colliery in respect of that breach; if so, can he state why the proceedings were never instituted; and whether he has taken or proposes to take any steps for an inquiry under Section 11 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, as to whether by reason of incompetency or gross negligence the manager is unfit to hold a certificate of competency?

Mr. McKENNA

My hon. Friend states correctly the facts of the accident. I authorised proceedings to be taken against the manager of the colliery, and arrangements had been made for the hearing of the case in August, but on the outbreak of War the manager was called up for service in the Royal Naval Reserve, and in the circumstances I decided that the proceedings should be dropped. The manager was guilty of a serious default; it appeared that he had given proper instructions to the officials of the mine but had failed to exercise the necessary supervision to ensure that the instructions were carried out. I do not think, however, that the circumstances were such as to call for the cancellation of his certificate.

Mr. TAYLOR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the gentleman implicated in the question, two or three days after the expiration of the period of six months within which proceedings could be taken against him, notwithstanding his enlistment, returned to Gateshead and assumed his duties as manager, and is acting there still?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, Sir. I am informed that the manager has returned to the colliery, but I have not yet been able to ascertain what the circumstances were. I will inquire further.

Mr. TAYLOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as expeditiously as possible, because the workmen employed at the colliery are beginning to have their confidence shaken in the action of the Home Office and His Majesty's inspectors?

Mr. McKENNA

I will inquire very fully into the matter.