HC Deb 28 April 1931 vol 251 cc1420-2
7. Mr. ERNEST WINTERTON

asked the Secretary for Mines how many men were working underground in the Minorca pit, Measham, at the time of the explosion on Sunday, 12th April; and how this number compares with the number working underground on the corresponding shift on each of the days 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th April?

Mr. SHINWELL

The explosion occurred on the morning of Sunday, 12th April, and 109 persons were employed underground at that time, some of whom on other days were usually employed on the afternoon shift, and some on the morning shift. The number of persons employed underground on the morning shift on the preceding days was:

6th April (Easter Monday) Nil
7th April … … … 59
8th April … … … 188
9th April … … … 195
10th April … … … 196
11th April … … … 170
Mr. WINTERTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his figures show that on Sunday more than 50 per cent. of the men available in the pits were working?

Mr. SHINWELL

That is perfectly true, but it was at their own request, and it had nothing to do with the production of coal.

Mr. WINTERTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that part of this labour at least had nothing to do with repair work, but had to do with the cutting of coal?

Mr. SHINWELL

That is not my information. If the hon. Member has any details of his allegation, perhaps he will communicate them to me.

Mr. WINTERTON

I will supply them.

8. Mr. WINTERTON

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received a report on the explosion at the Minorca Pit, Measham, in the South Derbyshire coalfield, on Sunday, 12th April, by which a number of men were severely injured and of whom one has since died; and whether he is in a position to state the cause of the explosion?

Mr. SHINWELL

I have received a full report from the divisional inspector of mines, who, accompanied by representatives of both the management and the workmen, has made full investigation into the cause of this explosion. Pending the conclusion of the inquest, which was opened yesterday, it would not be proper for me to make any statement as to the cause of the explosion.

Mr. WINTERTON

Without in any way anticipating the verdict at the inquest, will the hon. Gentleman agree that this explosion shows the need for hastening the immediate adoption in all pits of automatic gas detectors which will warn men of the presence of gas?

Mr. SHINWELL

I think the hon. Member had better await the result of the inquiry.