§ Mr. Deer (by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Power if he has any statement to make on the accident last Thursday at Ollerton Colliery.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. Richard Wood)At 11.30 on the morning of Thursday, 23rd November, four men at Ollerton Colliery in Nottinghamshire, were trapped by a fall of roof. Rescue operations began almost immediately, but two of the men could not be released until early the following morning, when they were already dead. Each of the other two men released earlier has had a leg amputated. They are in hospital. Investigations are now taking place.
I would like to express my deep sympathy for the relatives and friends of the men.
§ Mr. DeerI am sure that all hon. Members will wish to associate themselves with the sentiments expressed by the Minister. May I also—again I am sure on behalf of hon. Members on both sides of the House—ask that a tribute should be paid to the magnificent work of the team which laboured so long during the rescue work?
§ Mr. GunterMay I, on behalf of the Opposition, express our deep sense of sympathy with the Government on what has occurred and also emphasise what has been said by my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Mr. Deer) about the remarkable heroism of the rescue team?