§ 57. Mr. GALLACHERasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a boy of 15 years of age was killed in a pit in Newtongrange, Midlothian, while in charge of an engine; and, as it, is illegal to have a boy of that age underground in charge of machinery, what steps is he prepared to take to stop the practice and punish those responsible?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)It is assumed that the case to which the hon. Member refers is that of James Melville Fletcher, whose death at Newbattle 389 Colliery on 28th May will form the subject of an inquiry under the Fatal Accidents Inquiries (Scotland) Acts, to be held on 18th June. Pending consideration of the result of the inquiry, I am unable to make any statement.
§ Mr. GALLACHERIs the Minister aware that the manager of this colliery controls the life of the village in such a way that he forces the people to do anything, no matter what it may be, and that before the inquiry this question should be taken up?