(1)	Caving should not be practised unless the natural conditions and the method of waste edge support are such that the roof in the waste falls regularly to a sufficient height and in a suitably fragmented state.
	(2)	All existing systems of ventilation employing multiple fans should be reviewed and new systems studied to ensure that :-
		(a)  the volume of air circulating is large enough not only to avoid the possibility of re-circulation in any place ventilated by an auxiliary fan, but also to provide for the adequate ventilation of all other working places; (b)  no fan is stopped unless there is alternative means of providing adequate ventilation ; and (c)  if it is necessary to regulate a fan it shall be done in such a way as to prevent unauthorised or inadvertent alteration.
	(3)	The emission of firedamp from wastes of retreating faces and means of draining firedamp therefrom should be investigated.
	(4)	All parties concerned should co-operate to ensure the proper use of firedamp detectors. Also an attempt should be made to develop a combined cap lamp and gas detector that is reliable, gives a good light and is easy to wear.
	(5)	Pending the findings of the Working Party the following precautions should be taken :-
		(a)  Wherever coal cutters are in use or are to be used, a survey should be made for the purpose of selecting a cutting horizon, as far as is practicable, clear of any material from which sparks may be struck. (b)  The general policy in gassy seams with no clear horizon should be to adopt one of the alternatives to cutting or to adopt measures such as stowage or draining of the wastes to prevent accumulation of firedamp at the waste edge. (c)  Steps should be taken to ensure that only sharp picks are used. (d)  Water hose with an ample supply of water should be provided within easy reach. (e)  Having regard to the dust and sparking dangers, it should be the general policy to avoid dry cutting.
	(6)	Everything possible should be done to accelerate progress in the direction of preventing the formation of dust and of suppressing such dust as is unavoidably produced as close to the point of production as is practicable. In particular investigations should be undertaken (a) with a view to extending the applicability of water infusion and to developing its possibilities for working coal, and (b) to hasten the development of coal getting and loading machines operated by slow moving forces.
	(7)	A Committee representing the various interests should be appointed to investigate the use of roadway conveyors with a view to determining the limits within which they may be safely and advantageously employed.
	(8)	Research should be expedited on the use and development of improved types of dust barriers and water barriers. In the meantime shelf type dust barriers should be installed on conveyor roads.
	(9)	Tests should be made to determine the rates of dust deposition in roadways, and experiments should be carried out for the purpose of evolving an improved sampling technique.
	(10)	Colliery managements should consult the scientific staff about the organisation of their sampling and stone dusting arrangements ; colliery dust samplers and men in charge of stone dusting should be given a course of training under the supervision of the scientific staff, and should work as a team and to a plan under responsible supervision. From time to time the management should call upon the scientific service to make check surveys and to advise on precautions desirable at special points.
	(11)	The assessment of dust samples should be speeded up by the more widespread introduction of optical methods.
	(12)	The requirements regarding the medical examination of rescue workers should be reviewed.

Those recommendations on which prompt action is possible have been discussed with the National Coal Board, and I am glad to report that appropriate action has been initiated.

I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the help and co-operation of the representatives of all parties to the Inquiry and of Mr. H. Offord, Clerk of Court.

I am particularly indebted to Mr. T. A. Jones, H.M. Divisional Inspector of Mines, and his staff; to Mr. A. H. A. Wynn, Director of the Safety in Mines Research Establishment, and his staff; and to Mr. W. H. N. Carter, H.M. Senior Inspector of Mines for Special Duties, for his help in the preparation of this Report. I thank also Mr. W. D. Dobson, Chief Surveyor of No. 3 Area, Durham Division of the National Coal Board, and the surveyors and draughtsmen for the excellent plans prepared by them.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

H. C. W. ROBERTS.