§ 44. Mr. TAYLOR (for Mr. PALING)asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been drawn to a colliery shaft accident which occurred at William-thorpe Colliery, near Chesterfield, a few days ago, and in which eight men were injured; and whether his Department have submitted to a practical test any of the various safety devices brought to their notice and which it is claimed would prevent such accidents?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThis accident has been fully investigated, and the possibilities of preventive measures are being explored. The accident was due to the cage being lowered, when it dashed into the bottom, instead of being raised. There was no breakage of the winding-rope, and the devices planned to deal with that contingency do not apply to this accident.
§ Mr. TAYLORMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Ross Patent Safety Device for Colliery Cages has been submitted to him for examination, and, if so, what were the results of the examination?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Minister ought to have notice of that question.