HC Deb 17 May 1965 vol 712 cc1011-2
The Minister of Power (Mr. Frederick Lee)

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a statement.

I regret to inform the House that at about one o'clock this afternoon there was an explosion at the Cambrian Colliery, Rhondda Valley. First reports indicate that about 28 persons are missing.

Investigations are now taking place and I have meanwhile decided that a public inquiry should be held under Section 122 of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954.

I should like to express my deep sympathy to the relatives and friends of the men who are missing, and my hope that the injured men will recover quickly.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my right hon. and hon. Friends and I wish to be associated with his expression of regret at this very tragic accident, and sympathy with all those who have suffered thereby?

Mr. Lee

I am much obliged to the right hon. and learned Gentleman.

Mr. G. Elfed Davies

This is a very sad moment for me, because whilst this colliery is not actually in my constituency but is in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda, West (Mr. Iowerth Thomas), many of those who work in this colliery live in my constituency.

I am sure that I am expressing the wish and desire of my hon. Friend in extending sincere sympathy with the relatives and friends of my comrades who are still missing.

May I thank the Minister for the statement he has just made and for the assurance that a public inquiry will be held.

Mr. Lee

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend.