Owing to the severe frost during February, ice formed on the walls of the shaft almost to the bottom. Throughout this time, three shaftmen were employed each night cutting ice from the walls of the shaft with axes. On the day of the accident (22nd February) these shaftmen were at work in the shaft from midnight to 5 a.m. They considered it safe for work and reported it to be "all safe." The accident happened when the first cage-load of men was about to be raised at 2.30 p.m. The Public Inquiry under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry (Scotland) Act has not yet been held. I understand that it will probably be held early in April.