HC Deb 25 February 1930 vol 235 cc2027-9
Mr. G. H. HIRST

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any statement to make regarding the explosion at the Wath Main Colliery?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ben Turner)

I deeply regret to inform the House that an explosion occurred in this mine on Monday night, as a result of which three men were killed, four burnt very seriously, and three burnt less seriously. An initial explosion, which apparently occurred immediately after a fall of roof, was followed by a second and more violent explosion which caught the men as they were making to come out of the workings. The divisional inspector of mines and his assistants have already made investigations in the pit, and further investigations are in progress at this moment. The House will join with

Mr. W. GRAHAM

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the information he asks for in the OFFICIAL REPORT

Following is the information:

me in expressing our deep sympathy with the families and friends of the dead and injured men and our earnest hope that all the injured may recover.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will my hon. Friend ascertain whether there were in use at this particular colliery any automatic gas detectors?

Mr. TURNER

That is a question which I could not answer without making inquiries.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that there is a large body of opinion in this country, particularly in the mining community, which no longer believes in a coroner's verdict of "Accidental death" in such cases as this?

Mr. TURNER

There is a great body of opinion in favour of gas detectors, but in this particular case a fall of roof broke the lamp, and it would, therefore, have broken even a gas detector. That was the position of affairs, as far as I am aware at the present time.

Mr. WILLIAMS

I personally happen to have worked in that particular district, and is my hon. Friend not aware that an automatic gas detector is absolutely necessary, if the lives and the limbs of men are going to be made safe?

Mr. TURNER

I agree completely with my hon. Friend that a proper, safe gas detector is a desirable thing. The matter is being explored very fully, and I trust there may be good results from it.

Mr. HARDIE

Is my hon. Friend not aware that the law relating to mines is this, that safety lamps are not given to men to allow them to work among gas, that the Act provides that there should be no gas where men are employed, and that these lamps are only given to men for safety in the case of a sudden inrush of gas? Will he ask the inspector to find out why that gas was present?

Mr. TURNER

I must have notice of these questions, which are very technical questions.

Mr. POTTS

Will my hon. Friend make a thorough investigation into the cause of this explosion, and report the same to the House?

Mr. TURNER

A most thorough investigation is taking place now, and a further one, when the time is opportune, will take place also.