§ 31. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Secretary for Mines the arrangements made, who is to conduct the inquiry, and whether it will be a full investigation into the causes and circumstances attending the explosion which occurred at the Mossfield Colliery, Longton, on 21st March; and whether it is intended to invite two assessors to be present and to have evidence taken from all who may assist in the investigation?
§ Mr. LloydUnder the powers conferred by Section 83 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, I have decided to order a formal investigation into the causes and circumstances of this accident and have appointed His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Mines as Commissioner for that purpose. By arrangement with His Majesty's Deputy (and Acting) Coroner for Stoke-on-Trent, who is holding the inquest, Mr. Wynne's investigation will be held concurrently with the adjourned inquest, and will open at the Town Hall, Hanley, on 24th instant.
§ Mr. LloydIt is the most important inquiry that can be made under the Act. I would not like to say without notice, but I believe that in this case it is public, and I ought to add that the arrangements have been made with the concurrence of the Miners' Federation.