14. Mr. HIRSTasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has made further inquiries into the cause of the accident at the Old Hemmingfield Colliery, where a life was lost through the breaking of a winding rope on 10th March; and, if so, what action he intends to take in the matter?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe owners of this pumping station have decided to dispense with the services of the manager who was in responsible charge at the time of the accident; and, at my request, they have willingly agreed that, despite the doubt whether in law the Coal Mines Act applies to their pumping stations, it shall be observed at all these stations, in so far as its provisions are applicable.
§ Colonel LANE FOXI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs there any doubt as to whether the Mines Act did apply?
§ Colonel LANE FOXIt is doubtful, but the coroner at the inquest after the accident definitely directed that this accident did not come under the Act.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that steps are being taken to remove any doubt so that there can be no repetition of a similar disaster?
§ Mr. SEXTONHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the device that is being pursued to prevent accidents in winding?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI do not think the hon. Member quite appreciates the point. I do not think that the device that he refers to applies to this accident. In reply to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) I may say that his point is certainly being considered. This was a very exceptional case.
Mr. HIRSTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is eight and a-half years since this rope was put in?
§ Colonel LANE FOXYes, Sir. That is the reason I have taken the action I have taken.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWas the manager who has got the sack at the mine when the rope was put in eight and a-half years ago?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe hon. Member must give notice of that question.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODHas the Secretary for Mines satisfied himself that all the ropes by which the colliers ascend from or descend into the mines are being thoroughly inspected, just as satisfactorily as if Cabinet Ministers were ascending and descending the mines, because the colliers are "men for a' that" just as much as Cabinet Ministers?