HC Deb 03 February 1958 vol 581 cc812-4
58. Mr. Warbey

asked the Paymaster-General what steps he has taken to ensure that effect is given to the recommendations made by Her Majesty's Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines in his report on the explosion at Sutton Colliery, Nottinghamshire, on 21st February, 1957.

Sir I. Horobin

H.M. Inspectors of Mines have been asked to pay special attention to the lessons learnt from this and other similar explosions in the course of their inspection of pits in future. Further, the Safety and Health Committee of the Coal Industry National Consultative Council have appointed a sub-Committee, under the Chairmanship of Sir Andrew Bryan, to ensure that these lessons are fully understood and applied by managers, officials and workmen throughout the industry.

Mr. Warbey

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he satisfied that those responsible for the management of pits are fully acquainted with the provisions of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1956, especially in regard to ventilation and the proper method of dealing with falls of roof and formation of cavities?

Sir I. Horobin

Yes, Sir. And I think Sir Andrew Bryan has the general confidence of all parties in the industry.

59. Mr. Warbey

asked the Paymaster-General why the Report of Her Majesty's Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines on the Sutton Colliery explosion, although presented to the Minister on 11th November, 1957, was not published until 22nd December, 1957.

Sir I. Horobin

The interval between the completion and signing of the report and its publication was occupied in printing the document and the three complicated plans which accompanied it.

Mr. Warbey

As this document is very slim compared with the very substantial one which we hope to have before us later this evening and which was printed in a much shorter time, is the hon. Gentleman aware that his answer will not be accepted in my constituency? Is he aware that there is a strong local feeling that the issue of this report, with its rather disturbing revelations, was delayed until the eve of the Christmas holiday when attention was naturally diverted elsewhere?

Sir I. Horobin

That may be, but I think the hon. Gentleman's constituents will probably agree that, whatever was the case with the other document to which the hon. Member referred, it did not require the printing of three elaborate and detailed plans in more than one colour.