HC Deb 29 May 1934 vol 290 cc12-3
19. Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has seen the result of the coroner's inquest held on the five persons who were killed at the Plank Lane colliery explosion on 30th April; and if it is his intention to hold an inquiry under Section 83 of the Mines Act of 1911?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I have received a full report of the proceedings at the inquest, and I am advised that a further public inquiry would not be likely to add materially to the results of the very thorough investigations which have already been made. But I am quite ready to consider any reasoned representations that may be made to me on that point.

Mr. TINKER

The hon. Gentleman says he has seen the report. I have seen a newspaper report, and it says that the explosion was caused by shot-firing setting alight gas ordinarily present but which was undetected. Surely that is sufficient to warrant the hon. Gentleman having an inquiry?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Gentleman will read my answer, he will see I said that I have seen a full report, and it is on the full report that I have given my answer.

Mr. T. SMITH

Are we to take it that the Press report is inaccurate?

Mr. BROWN

I pass no comment on the Press reports. The hon. Member must make up his own mind about them. The full report leads me to believe that further inquiry would not add to what we know.

Mr. SMITH

Is the Press report of that inquiry inaccurate?

Mr. BROWN

I have seen so many Press reports that I cannot be expected to answer as to that.

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

If there is to be no inquiry, and no published report of such inquiry, how are hon. Members who are interested to know what happened?

Mr. BROWN

I have said already that I am prepared to receive any reasoned representations.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the Minister satisfied that every possible precaution is taken to avoid these terrible disasters which are happening too frequently to-day?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member knows that the answer is "Yes."