§ Mr. JAMES BROWN(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that an explosion of firedamp took place on Monday morning of this week at Bank pit, New Cum-flock, by which two men lost their lives and several others were injured; what is his latest information regarding this unfortunate accident; and what steps has he taken to discover how this accident occurred or what steps does he propose to take?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ben Turner)I deeply regret to inform 1631 the House that an explosion of firedamp occurred in the Blackband Seam of the Bank Colliery in Ayrshire at about 1 a.m. on 16th December. Eleven brushers and three coal-cutting machinemen were injured; two of them have since died and two others are in a serious condition. Investigations as to the cause of the explosion were undertaken without delay, but I cannot as yet make any definite statement on this point, nor can I decide what action I can best take in the matter until I have received and considered the reports of the Inspectors of Mines. I expect to receive these in the course of a day or two and no time has been or will be lost.
The whole House will join with me in an expression of deep sympathy with the relatives and friends of those who have lost their lives or have been injured. It is a saddened Christmas for them.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. Member not think that, if an automatic gas alarm had been used at this colliery, this disaster might have been avoided? Will he consult his advisers as to the advisability of making compulsory the use of an automatic alarm of that description?
§ Mr. TURNERI will consider the second part of the supplementary question. As regards the first part, it was a naked-light mine until 12 days ago, and until further reports have been received I cannot make further observations.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs it a fact that the officers of the Mines Department have seen this experiment and have endorsed the view that it would be effective in saving life?
§ Mr. TURNERThe Department have seen many sorts of lamps, safety lamps, and devices of one sort or another, and whenever they find the perfect one they will make regulations accordingly.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not the fact that an automatic gas alarm lamp was approved by the Department two years ago; and is my hon. Friend not aware that two existing inspectors and two ex-inspectors have recommended it as the almost perfect thing for the purpose?
§ Mr. WALLHEADWill the hon. Gentleman tell us before he replies to 1632 the question put to him by my hon. Friend how his inspectors will know that they have found a perfect lamp?
§ Mr. TURNERI have no further observations to make.