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83. I am pleased to report that action has already been taken to implement certain of the above Recommendations, some of which were included in my Interim Report presented on 15th October, 1947. The Explosives in Coal Mines Order, 1948, which was made on 4th February and came into operation on the 16th February, covers Recommendations (1), (2) and (4) above. In addition, you were pleased to set up a Committee under my Chairmanship and representative of all sides of the Industry, to inquire into the precautions necessary to secure safety in the use of explosives in coal mines. This Committee has already begun its labours and will include, among other things, Recommendations (3) and (5) within the scope of its inquiry. Moreover, as a result of experience in recent mining disasters and following upon Recommendation (6) in my Report last year upon the Explosion and Fire at Burngrange Nos. 1 and 2 (Oil Shale) Mine, Midlothian, the National Coal Board has already set up a Committee, with representatives of the Ministry of Fuel and Power as Assessors, to report upon the efficient organization of a Mines Rescue Service in each Division. This Committee will include within its scope all the above recommendations dealing with Rescue and Recovery Work. Recommendation (11) has also been referred to the representative Rescue Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Fuel and Power.

(b) Acknowledgments

84.Finally, I desire to pay tribute to the excellent work done by all who took part in the rescue and recovery work and to those who attended to the needs of all rescue workers when they came out of the pit at all times during several days and nights. I should also like to express my sincere thanks for the help and co-operation given to me by the representatives of all parties to the Inquiry; by Mr. H. Offord, Clerk of Court; by Mr. J. G. Helps, Area General Manager; by Mr. R. W. Gallantry of the National Coal Board and his staff in the Surveyor’s Office for the excellent and numerous plans provided; by Mr. R. J. Edwards, H.M. Divisional Inspector of Mines and his staff; and by Dr. H. F. Coward and members of staff of the Ministry’s Safety in Mines Research and Testing Branch.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

A. M. BRYAN.