HC Deb 17 May 1938 vol 336 c201
15. Mr. Tinker

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to give a reply to the suggestion made to him by the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) asking that an independent person be appointed to conduct the inquiry to be made into the cause of the disaster which occurred at Markham Colliery, Chesterfield, on 10th May?

Captain Crookshank

I have directed that a formal investigation into the causes of this explosion shall be held in pursuance of Section 83 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911. In selecting the Commissioner the suggestion of the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) and all other relevant considerations will be borne in mind; and a public announcement of the appointment will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Tinker

The answer is hardly satisfactory. Could I get further information if I put the question down again next week?

Captain Crookshank

Yes. I said that I wanted to make a public announcement as soon as possible. If the hon. Member will consult me as to the day, I will do so.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the Minister bear in mind that, after searching inquiries of this kind, there was a general demand that there should be an inquiry which was more in the nature of a public inquiry, with an independent chairman; and does not the Minister regard it as being very essential that public confidence in these matters should be maintained?

Captain Crookshank

Perhaps the hon. Member will see what I said in reply to the question which the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) asked the other day.

Mr. T. Williams

Will the Minister, prior to the appointment of the investigators, consult the Miners' Federation of Great Britain?