53. Mrs. SHAWasked the Secretary for Mines if he can give any information regarding an accident which occurred at Viewpark Colliery, Uddingston, on Sun day, 3rd June?
§ Dr. BURGINI have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend much regrets that an ignition of firedamp occurred in the Splint Seam, No. 2 Pit, Viewpark Colliery, near Uddingston, at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday, 3rd June, as a result of which four men were burned, one of whom has since died. A preliminary report has been received from the divisional inspector, but the reason why firedamp was present and the cause of the ignition are not yet definitely ascertained, and inquiries are still in progress.
§ Mr. LAWSONHas the hon. Gentleman any information as to how many men were in the pit on this Sunday, and will inquiry be made as to whether it was necessary for them to be at work then?
§ Dr. BURGINI will call the attention of the Secretary for Mines to these points.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI want to draw the attention of the House to this accident—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—to point Out that it happened on a Sunday—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is an occasion for putting questions.