§ 69. Mr. Pearsonasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give any information as to the colliery explosion on 2nd June at Ynysmardy Colliery, Llan-trisant; the latest figures of men killed and injured; and what measures are being instituted to discover the cause of the explosion?
§ Mr. GrenfellI regret to say that four persons were killed and three injured, all at the surface of the mine. The circumstances are extraordinary. No work was going on below ground but a very violent explosion occurred, apparently at or near the top of the No. 2 Shaft, and wrecked or damaged most of the surface works. The cause of the explosion is being closely investigated under the direction of the Divisional Inspector of Mines and with expert help. I am sure the House would like to join with me in an expression of sympathy which I have caused to be sent to the bereaved relatives and the injured men.
§ Mr. T. SmithWill an official inquiry take place into the explosion; and when will my hon. Friend be in a position to tell us something of the unfortunate explosion at Whitehaven?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe explosion at White-haven occurred the following day, and without having been given notice of this Question I can recall that eight men were killed and 13 injured. Three of the injured have since died, making a total of 11. The cause of the explosion is also unknown, and a complete investigation will be made.
§ Mr. GrenfellMy hon. Friend can rest assured that a special investigation will be ordered for Whitehaven. Meanwhile, I would invite the House to join with me in sending to the bereaved a message similar to the one which was sent after the Llan-trisant explosion.