HC Deb 01 March 1927 vol 203 cc197-9
Mr. BARKER

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the House any information inconnection with the mining disaster at the Marine Colliery, Monmouthshire?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I greatly regret that I have to announce to the House that I have received the following information from the divisional inspector in Wales: A disaster has taken place at the Marine Colliery, Monmouthshire, owned by the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron, and Coal Co., Ltd. An explosion occurred about 1 o'clock this morning, but as yet the cause has not been ascertained. Two seams are involved, the Old Coal and the Black Vein. There are 23 men dead in the Old Coalfield, but before the Black Vein workings can be explored—and every effort is being made

of Fife, giving, as far as possible, the numbers of miners, textile workers, doekyard workers, building trade workers and labourers?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

As the reply includes a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

to do this—large quantities of fire damp will have to be cleared. This is now being done. In the Black Vein there are known to be 28 men, and I am afraid there is little hope for them."

I think the House would wish me to add that I have also to announce that another disaster is reported from the Nottinghamshire coalfield. I had from the divisional inspector of that area, at noon to-day, the followng information relating to an accident at the Bilsthorpe Sinking of the Stanton Iron Works Company, Limited, Nottingham: At 3.30 this morning the pipes delivering water to the surface from the pumps in the shaft collapsed, and fell down the shaft, which is 276 yards deep. There were 17 men working in the shaft bottom at the time. Three of these have been rescued, but I am afraid there is little hope for the remaining 14 men.

That is the latest information which has come through as to both these disasters from the inspectors on the spot, but if Mr. Speaker will permit a special question to be put to-morrow at Question Time, I will give the House the latest information that has then come from the divisional inspectors in both cases.

Mr. HARDIE

That is your reorganisation scheme! You are killing miners!

Mr. BARKER

I will renew my question to-morrow.