§ 32. Mr. KENNEDYasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the public interest in the fate of two pit ponies left underground at the Leven Colliery, Fifeshire, and the allegations made reflecting on the action of the local miners, he will agree to an inquiry into the matter, in order to determine the question of responsibility for the ponies being left underground?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. Impartial inquiry has already been made by one of H.M. Inspectors of Mines, and I communicated the purport of his report to the House on Tuesday, in reply to a question by the hon. Member. I am doubtful if a further inquiry would be likely to throw any more light on the subject.
§ Mr. KENNEDYWill the evidence, which is easily obtainable, be considered, in order that the unfounded statements which have been made in this House reflecting on the miners might be withdrawn?
Colonel C. LOWTHERHow was it that I and many other Members of the House anxious for the safety of these pit ponies were given to understand at the time of the crisis that every pit pony in the kingdom had been taken out of the mines?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe House was not given to understand that. I always said I had doubts about it. If the hon. Member (Mr. Kennedy) has any evidence to submit to me showing that the answer I gave requires important modification I shall be very glad to consider it.