§ 42. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the accident at Foldforth Colliery, Woodland, County Durham, by which two people, father and son, lost their lives; and will he cause an inquiry to be made into the whole circumstances attached to this matter?
§ Commodore KINGThe circumstances were fully investigated at the inquest, which was attended by one of His Majesty's Inspector of Mines, who had previously made an independent investigation. I have no reason to think that a further inquiry would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that in many of these small pits, such as the one referred to in the question, no regard is paid to the regulations; and will he ask the inspectors to take extra precautions in these mines?
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISIn view of the fact that both father and son in this case lost their lives, does it not show that the father was working with the son at the time?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what was the age of the son in this case?
§ Commodore KINGNo, I cannot.