§ Mr. G. Griffiths(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give any information regarding the explosion which occurred at Upton Colliery, Yorks, last night?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)I regret to have to inform the House that an explosion occurred shortly before midnight at the intake end of the long wall face in the No. 2 district of the Barnsley Seam at Upton Colliery. Two men were killed and 12 injured of whom one has since died. Following an inspection and in view of possible risk of further explosions, all men were withdrawn from the district pending consulta- 850 tions between His Majesty's Inspectors and representatives of the owners and workmen as to the precautions which it is necessary to take in dealing with the situation and investigating the cause of the explosion. Those consultations are proceeding to-day. The House will wish me to express its deep sympathy with all those on whom this explosion has brought bereavement and suffering.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs it the Minister's intention to set up an inquiry in this matter, and, if so, will he please look at some correspondence, which is in the Mines Department, from the workmen's inspectors during the past 12 months?
§ Mr. GrenfellInvestigations are proceeding, and I will see to it that the correspondence referred to will be put at the disposal of those making the investigation.