§ Mr. Oliver(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is in a position to state the cause of the accident which occurred on 28th June at the Coppice Pit of the' Shipley Colliery Company, Heanor, and the present condition of the injured workmen?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI regret to inform the House that an explosion of firedamp occurred on Monday, 28th June, at Coppice Colliery, North Derbyshire, following the firing of a ripping shot in a gate road. The effects of the explosion were fortunately confined to a comparatively small area, but seven men were burned, of whom three have since died from their injuries and two others are in a serious condition. I cannot at present state the cause of the ignition, but a full investigation is being made as speedily as possible. Meanwhile, the House will wish to record its deep sympathy with the relatives and dependants of those who have lost their lives and its earnest hope that the injured may have a safe and speedy recovery.