(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the House any information as to the cause of the disaster at Siddick Colliery on Monday last?

The information at 'present in the possession of the Ministry of Mines of this lamentable accident, by which five men lost their lives, indicates that it was an explosion of gas caused by the firing of a shot.

What steps does the Minister propose to take to deal with those responsible for the management of the mines where gas is allowed to accumulate, and where men are at work in danger?

It is clear that the Ministry of Mines cannot make any declaration about this accident before the facts have been elicited, and these are now—

That is not the point of my question. My question has not been answered. The answer of the Parliamentary Secretary was that there was gas—[HON. MHMHERS: "Order, order!"]

We cannot follow up supplementary questions by a discussion. The hon. Member had better put his question down on the Paper.

Does the Noble Lord tell us that the reports of the Whitehaven (Haig Pit) disaster are still held up?

I must have notice of that.

Why, in view of successive disasters of a similar kind that have taken place during the past few years, has the Government not thought to promote legislation to deal with these matters?

It is now after a quarter to four, and only questions of special urgency are allowed.