HC Deb 17 June 1948 vol 452 cc647-8
39. Mr. Grey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has any statement to make on the accident at Sherburn Hill Colliery, Co. Durham, in which four men lost their lives.

Mr. Gaitskell

An explosion of firedamp occurred on the No. 5 Conveyor Face of the 4th West District in the Busty Seam at Sherburn Hill Colliery, Durham, about 8 p.m. on Friday, 11th June. A shot-firer at work alone on the face was killed, also three cutter men on their way in about 150 yards from the face. The bodies were recovered early the following morning. It was a comparatively mild explosion and there was no propagation by coal dust. The face afterwards filled with firedamp and the igniting cause of the explosion has not yet been clearly established. The seam is worked throughout with safety lamps. The matter continues to be under investigation by one of His Majesty's Deputy Chief Inspectors of Mines. I deeply regret the loss of life involved, and should like to take this opportunity of expressing my sympathy with the relatives of the four men who were killed.

Mr. Grey

Is the Minister aware that, if this acident had occurred earlier in the day, the loss of life would have been much heavier? Can we be assured that a new set of regulations will be brought into force at an early date in order to avoid these fatal occurrences?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am sure my hon. Friend will agree it is best to await the report of the Deputy Chief Inspector before deciding on any amendment of the regulations.

Mr. Murray

Is the Minister aware that accidents such as this have a detrimental effect on recruiting in these particular colliery areas and that, if he can do anything to expedite the question of safety in mines, it will go a long way towards having the desired effect?

Mr. Gaitskell

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. I am naturally very much concerned with this matter and he can test assured that we shall do everything possible to improve the safety conditions in the mines.