ACCIDENTS IN MINES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 59, 18 June 1910, Page 5

ACCIDENTS IN MINES.

DEBATE IN COMMONS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received June 17, 10.30 p.m. London, dune 17. In the House of Commons, Mr. Enock Edwards, Labor member for Hanley, and himself a collier, initiated a debate in regard to accidents in coal mines. Several Laborites, who are colliers, made telling contributions to the discussion. Mr. Winston Churchill (Home Secretary) paid tribute to those who Had made gallant efforts to rescue the victims of the Whitehaven pit, and stated l that the sealing of the intake did not prevent the victims' escape, as the return channel was left open for possiDle snrvivors. Experts were confident that' none were alive when the intake was closed. The Home Office, lie proceeded, was considering schemes to endeavor to prevent disasters in future, including *n increase of inspection. Every mine, he heid, ought to have a supply of breathing helmets and the men trained in their! use; also a trained rescue corps. It was intended to introduce a short Bill dealing with the subject immediately. (General cheers.) Mr. Keir Hardie declared that Mr. Churchill's speech would bring new hope to miners. , ■