§ 2.42 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT HALLMy Lords, I beg leave to ask a Private Notice Question—namely, to ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement on the accident which occurred at the Arrael Griffin Colliery, Abertillery, on June 28.
THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, your Lordships will have heard of the tragic explosion which took place yesterday morning at this colliery, in which, I am very sorry to say, 45 men lost their lives. Two men were slightly injured. Her Majesty the Queen has expressed her deep distress at the accident and has sent her heartfelt sympathy to those who have been bereaved.
726 Rescue men wearing breathing apparatus, though hampered by two big falls, have already examined almost the whole of the affected area. Investigations into the cause of the accident will begin as soon as possible. Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Mines has been directed to hold a public inquiry. I am sure your Lordships will join me in expressing the deepest sympathy with the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and with those who were injured.
§ VISCOUNT HALLMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl the Leader of the House for that expression of sympathy in which, I am sure, every Member of your Lordships' House will join. It will be appreciated not only by the relatives of the bereaved but by the mining communities of this country generally. The risk they face is one which those of us who have been long associated with the mines have always had to take to obtain what is a real requirement for this country. Explosions, fortunately, are not as frequent as they have been, but we all deplore the loss of life which has taken place as a result of this explosion.