§ Colonel DAYasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the pit explosion caused by a blower of gas at Ponthenry Colliery, near Lianelly, in which 12 colliers were badly burnt about the head and face; and whether an inquiry is being held?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThis has been investigated by the Divisional Inspector of Mines. It was not an explosion in the ordinary sense, but an outburst of gas, accompanied by the ejection of fine coal in large quantities. The gas did not ignite, and the persons below ground received sufficient warning for all to escape to a place of safety. In my reply on 30th June to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Dr. J. Williams) I stated that two or three persons were slightly gassed, but I have since been informed that one 2151W man only was affected, and in his case this was due to the fact that his heart was in a bad condition. No one was burnt. Special precautions to minimise danger from these outbursts are in force, and, at the present time, I do not think further inquiry is necessary.