§ Mr. Collindridge(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give particulars of the explosion at Barnsley Main Colliery yesterday?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)I regret having to report that an explosion occurred yesterday at the Barnsley Main Colliery. From information I have received it appears that a fire had broken out at the coal face in the previous night and that it had been found necessary to seal off the district. This work was in progress yesterday when an explosion occurred at about 12.45 p.m. After the explosion a roll call was made and 12 men were found to be missing. Nine bodies have been recovered, three others have not yet been found; about 37 men are known to have been injured. There is to be a further inspection of the mine to-day. I hope to be able to secure more detailed information in a day or two. I am sure the House will join in an expression of sympathy with the relatives of the deceased men and with the injured.