§ 11. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary for Mines if the Government representative at the Plean Colliery inquiry ascertained the temperature at which coal dust was alleged, in part of the evidence, to have coked; and will he give the information to the House?
§ Viscount WOLMERI have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir, the colliery chemist stated in evidence that he had found by experiment that the temperature at which coal from East Plean Colliery begins to coke is 628° Fahr.
§ Mr. HARDIEIf the coal dust was coked at the temperature stated, why were not the pit props burnt out?
§ Viscount WOLMERI think I shall have to have notice of that question.
§ 12. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary for Mines whether on the day before the Plean Colliery explosion one of His Majesty's mine inspectors inspected the Plean Colliery; and whether the inspector's Report given on that date will be laid upon the Table of this House?
§ Viscount WOLMERI have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir, an inspection at this colliery was made on 12th July. The inspector was called to give evidence in regard to it at the public inquiry which was held in October last, and a copy of this evidence will be sent to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HARDIECan the hon. Gentleman say whether or not he can procure the book that ought to have been signed by His Majesty's inspector, and will he bring that book to this House for inspection?
§ Viscount WOLMERI will inquire whether it is available for the hon. Member to see.