§ Mr. P. Bartley(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on the explosion which took place this morning at Easington Colliery.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)Yes, Sir. I deeply regret to say that an explosion occurred at 4.45 a.m. this morning in the Five Quarter Seam at Easington Colliery, Durham. The explosion happened at a point about 1¼ miles from the bottom of the shaft; there was also a fall of roof which blocked the intake roadway about a quarter of a mile from the shaft.
The cause of the explosion is not known, but it is believed that there were 39 78 men in the part of the pit which is affected. Rescue teams are attempting to reach the scene of the accident; so far they have found the bodies of seven men who had been killed, and they have brought out one man who was alive, but who was severely injured and burnt. There are some old workings which branch off from the affected part of the pit; it is possible, though I am afraid not at all probable, that some of the men may have been able to reach these workings. With this hope in mind, the rescue teams are pressing forward to explore that area.
I am sure the House will wish to express their deepest sympathy for the relatives of the officials and miners who have lost their lives or who have not yet been found.
§ Mr. BartleyI am sure, as the right hon. Gentleman said, that hon. Members will join in the sympathy expressed by the Minister, particularly to the people in Easington and more particularly to the families and relatives. Furthermore, I am sure I can express the great admiration we are feeling for the members of the rescue parties who at the present moment are exercising great bravery and courage in this disaster, and express the wish that their efforts will be blessed very soon with some success in what appears otherwise to be a very tragic disaster.