§ 77. Mr. Barrasked the Secretary for Mines the position in regard to the Mosside Mine, Airdrie, where a serious accident took place on 22nd September, 1939; what steps were taken in response to the petition, largely signed by the citizens of Airdrie and district, calling for the installation of needful machinery for the de-watering of the mine; whether there is now any immediate prospect of the de-watering of the mine or the recovery of the bodies of those who lost their lives; and whether any provision is being made for the bereaved relatives?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)As the hon. Member is aware, pumping operations were carried on with the intention of unwatering the flooded portion of the mine. The machinery was, 827 however, found to be inadequate and the estimate of the time required for the task had to be revised owing to the slow progress of pumping. The petition to which the hon. Member refers was signed some months after the accident. I have much sympathy with the sentiments which moved the neighbours of the deceased men to sign the petition and am sorry that the owner was unable, on financial grounds, to clear the mine of water so as to allow the bodies of the three men to be reached. I am glad to say, however, that the dependants of the deceased have received compensation by agreement with the representatives of the Miners' Union.