The frst explosion, he said, curred near the coal face shortly before 6 am. when the night shift was leaving the mine. Its force extended over a long distance along the main road.
The inspectors at the mine, he added, would be joined by the Chief Inspector, and by the Medical Inspector as soon as possible.
"An investigation into the cause of the disaster is to proceed with all speed," he went on, "I am sure the House will join with' me in expressing our deep sympathy with the families and friends of those who have 0 tragically lost their lives'
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.