§ 39. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines if he will consult with the Safety in Mines Research Board, so that every possible effort can be made to clear up the circumstances surrounding the explosion of firedamp at No. 3 Colliery, Clock Face, St. Helens, Lancashire, on 3rd March, 1925, resulting in injuries to two workmen?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe Board was consulted at an early stage in the investigation and carried out experiments, but the evidence available is insufficient to enable my advisers to draw any definite conclusion as to the cause of this explosion.
§ Mr. TINKERDoes that mean to say that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is not pressing forward an inquiry after such a disaster as this?
§ Colonel LANE FOXNo, Sir. That is not the answer at all. The matter has come before the Board, and they have been conducting a full investigation. Up to now they have not achieved any definite result, but the investigation is not abandoned.
§ Mr. HARDIEMay I ask whether those making the investigation have made quite sure that there was no firedamp in the 2092 place, and, if so, have they made any investigations as to whether the explosion was due to a defective lamp or any cause of friction?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThat the cause of the disaster was due to a lamp has been disproved. As to firedamp, that has been one of the subjects of investigation.
§ Mr. HARDIESince the lamp has been held not to be defective, the explosion must have come from some form of friction. Have they investigated that?
§ Colonel LANE FOXYes, Sir; all such obvious things have been investigated.
§ Mr. HARDIEThen are these results positive or negative?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI have already told the hon. Gentleman they are so far negative.