§ Mr. TINKER(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines if he is now in a position to make a statement on the winding accident at Plank Lane Collieries on Monday, October 10th, when 19 persons lost their lives.
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe House will wish me first to take this opportunity of expressing the deep sympathy which every one of us must still feel for the widespread sorrow and suffering caused by this lamentable accident. The circumstances have been thoroughly elucidated at the inquest proceedings, which were concluded on Monday last, and have been fully reported in the Press. It is clear from the verdict that the accident was due to a momentary forgetfulness on the part of the winding engineman; but important questions with regard to winding equipment generally have arisen which call for careful consideration with a view, if found advisable, to the modification of the precautions already taken against accidents of this kind. This aspect of the matter will be taken in hand as soon as the full technical data now being prepared for me by the Divisional Inspector have been received and considered.
§ Mr. TINKERWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman and the House for those kind expressions of sympathy, I wish to ask him whether, when he goes into this matter, he will take into consultation the officials of the Miners' Federation, who have been present throughout the inquiry? I think they have certain recommendations which they would like to make.
§ Mr. CHORLTONDoes the hon. Gentleman not think it is possible to arrange for safety governing devices on winding engines, to prevent over-running and over-speed?
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLWill the Secretary for Mines take into consideration the possibility of enforcing the adoption of a suitable method of preventing over-winding and make regulations which will compel companies to adopt it?
§ Mr. BROWNIf the hon. Member will look at my answer when it appears, he will see that we are covering questions of that kind.