§ Mr. PRICE (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any information which he can make public about the disaster at the Haig Pit at Whitehaven last Thursday and whether anything is known as to the cause?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)There is nothing I can add to the general information which has been published in the Press. I have decided to set up a statutory court of inquiry into the causes of this explosion, and I hope to be able to make an announcement as to the arrangements in the course of this week. In the meantime, detailed investigations are being made by the Inspectors of Mines. The House will appreciate that I cannot make any statement now on matters which the court will have to consider. I am sure that I speak for the whole House in expressing our deepest sympathy with those who are afflicted and in sorrow from this terrible disaster.