§ 19. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that at a recent inquest upon Thomas Phillips, a Wallsend collier, who was killed by a fall of stone whilst at his work, it was stated that this accident could have been averted if the working place had been timbered according to regulations; and, seeing that the colliery official responsible was censured by the jury, is he prepared to see that in all collieries in this country adequate precautions are taken for the protection of the lives of those employed?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane-Fox)I am aware of the circumstances of this regrettable accident, and I agree that it would not have occurred it the timbering rules had been carried out. It is already the constant endeavour of the inspectors of mines to prevent disregard of these rules. but the matter is one which is very largely in the hands of the workmen and the officials supervising them.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WATTS MORGANWill the hon. and gallant Member make representations with a view to changing the law, so as to allow the workmen's representatives to prosecute, as well as the Mines Department, in cases of this kind?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI think the hon. and gallant Member is not aware of the circumstances in this case. There is no need for prosecution.