§ Mr. TINKERI beg to ask the Secretary for Mines a question of which, at the request of the Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr. R. Young), I have given him private notice: Whether he has any statement to make regarding the explosion at Lyme Pit Colliery, Haydock, Lancashire?
The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ben-Turner)I am sorry that, as yet, I have no information other than the general information which has appeared in the-Press. The Divisional Inspector of Mines has been actively engaged in the pit all day and has therefore not yet been able to make even a preliminary report by telephone. He will do so immediately he comes out of the pit where, of course, his first duty lies. I make this announcement with all the more regret, because this is the second colliery explosion this week. I am deeply concerned, and I have decided that a full public inquiry into both accidents shall be held as soon as possible. I am quite sure the House tenders to the relatives of these men its deep sympathy with them in their affliction, and also expresses the hope that the injured ones may be speedily restored to health.
§ Mr. TINKERMay I ask if the hon. Member is aware that it is reported that this accident took place on a coal cutter face, and can he say whether the machine was worked by electricity or compressed air; also, has he any further information with regard to the disaster?
§ Mr. TURNERI must ask my hon. Friend to await the result of the official 2423 inquiry. On Tuesday, in reply to a supplementary question with respect to the disaster at the Wath Main Colliery, I ventured to express an opinion which, it has since been pointed out to me, might be regarded as anticipating the result of that inquiry, and I therefore must be more guarded and say nothing in reply to similar supplementary questions in future.
§ Mr. TINKERWould it be in order to put down a question on Monday next week?