§ Mr. T. Williams(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the House the latest information regarding the accident which has happened at the Hatfield Main Colliery?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)Yes, Sir. I much regret to inform the House that 64 persons were involved in a winding accident which occurred at this colliery early yesterday afternoon. The accident occurred at the change of shifts when 52 persons were being lowered and 12 raised in the cages. The descending cage struck the shaft bottom and the ascending cage was arrested in the head gear after the winding rope had been detached. The injured were sent to hospital and according to information which I have just received from the hospital, 52 are still detained, most of them suffering from fractured legs. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
I am sure the House will wish to join me in expressing sympathy with these men injured in the course of their duty and a hope for their speedy recovery.