§ Mr. TINKER (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the latest information that he has of the mine explosion at the Plank Lane Collieries, Leigh, Lancashire, which happened this morning?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)I regret to inform the House that an explosion occurred about 6.30 a.m. this morning in the Trencher-bone seam at Bickershaw Colliery in Lancashire. The divisional inspector of mines reported this by telephone just as he was about to proceed underground to give help and make investigations. The casualties then reported were five lives lost. He is to make a further report by telephone as soon as he returns to the surface. I am sure the House will join with me in expressing our deep sympathy to the relatives of the deceased.