§ Mr. GORDON MacDONALD (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that an explosion of firedamp took place on Saturday morning last, the 12th November, at the No. 9 Pit of the Garswood Hall Colliery, Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Wigan; what is his latest. information regarding this unfortunate accident; and also, what steps he proposes to take to discover the cause of this accident?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI have been asked to reply. I deeply regret to inform the House that an explosion occurred in the Ravine Seam at the No. 9 Pit of the Garswood Hall Collieries about 3 o'clock on Saturday morning. Twenty-five persons have lost their lives, and, by operations carried out indomitably in face of great danger and difficulty, their bodies have all been recovered.
Detailed investigations by His Majesty's Inspectors into the cause of the explosion were begun yesterday immediately the district could be explored, and were continued throughout the night. They are still proceeding, and it is not possible yet to make any definite statement. Immediately their reports are received, my hon. Friend will consider whether he should not direct the holding of a public inquiry under Section 83 of the Coal Mines Act.
The House will wish me to express its profound sorrow at the loss of so many lives and its deep sympathy with all those who are now in pain and sorrow.