§ 92. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the recent pit flooding, he has issued a note to owners of mines to take special precautions when mining coal towards old workings in which water or gas may be present?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXI do not think that a general circular to owners in every district on this subject is necessary But I am having careful inquiry made into the mining conditions in South Staffordshire with a view to considering what steps can be taken to guard against a recurrence of such accidents.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the Secretary for Mines not yet aware that when a thing like that happens, it is likely to happen again; and without waiting, and consulting and going through all kinds of formalities, will he not save life by sending out notices that these precautions must be taken?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXYes, Sir, I am considering taking steps as regards the districts where the question arises—
§ Mr. HARDIEIt should be in all districts.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXIf the hon. Member does not wish to hear my answer I shall not give it. In the districts where this condition prevails, I am considering the sending out of circulars such as the hon. Member suggests.