§ Major Kimballasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can make any statement on the excellent work of the permanent rescue station corps and the rescue teams from several Leicestershire and South Derbyshire collieries in connection with the explosion at the R.A.F. Depot, near Burton-on-Trent, on 27th November, 1944, and subsequent days.
Major Lloyd GeorgeAs stated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air on 21st December, 15 mines rescue brigades totalling some 100 men were in action after the explosion to which my hon. Friend refers. Unfortunately during the course of the rescue operation one man, James Beard of Ashley, lost his life. I welcome this opportunity of recording a further tribute to the heroic and devoted service forthcoming on this occasion, as on so many others, from members of the mines rescue organisations.