asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that at the conference of the Lancashire and Cheshire miners, held on Saturday, it was carried unanimously to ask him to give full consideration to the appeal that an inquiry should be made under Section 83 of the Coal Mines Act of 1911 into the cause of the disaster at Astley Green collieries on the 6th June; and will he state whether he has arrived at a decision to follow this course?

Since I was informed of the resolution of the conference of the Lancashire and Cheshire miners on Saturday last I have further considered this matter and have had an opportunity of studying the proceedings at the inquest. After considering all the circumstances I have decided to direct that such a formal investigation under Section 83 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, shall be held. This will take the place of the special report to which I referred in reply to a question by the hon. Member on the 4th July.