HC Deb 16 May 1935 vol 301 cc1884-5
48. Mrs. WARD

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give any information about the accident which happened on Monday at the West Cannock Colliery, in which three mine workers lost their lives?

49. Mr. MAINWARING

asked the Secretary for Mines, in relation to the accident at the No. 3 Pit, West Cannock Colliery, Staffs, involving the deaths of three men, what system of packing or roof control was in operation at the conveyor face in question; and is he satisfied with the precautions taken?

Mr. E. BROWN

I deeply regret that falls of roof, which occurred on Monday morning at West Cannock No. 3 Colliery, resulted in the loss of three lives. The falls occurred in a longwall conveyor face in a seam 3 feet 9 inches thick having a strong rock roof, supported by six-yard packs, six yards apart, and by posts and lids set at intervals of 3½ to 4 feet. Bars were used where considered necessary and were in use on the rise side of a fault which crossed the face. A slight fall occurred at that point, pinning two men by the legs. Rescue work was immediately started and was nearly completed, one of the men having actually been released, when a much heavier fall buried both men and one of the rescue party. The general system of support had been in force for a number of years, and had been considered to be satisfactory, but in view of the accident this aspect of the matter is being further investigated.