HC Deb 06 November 1884 vol 293 c1084
VISCOUNT FOLKESTONE (for Mr. COLERIDGE KENNARD)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he can inform the House if the exit doors of the public building in Glasgow, in which a terrible catastrophe has just occurred, were hung so as to open inwards; and, if so, whether he will withdraw the opposition he offered during the last Session of Parliament to the Bill entitled "Public Buildings (Doors) Bill," if again introduced?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

I have not yet received the official Report on this matter, and therefore I cannot judge, of course, of its bearings. But even if it were the case, as suggested in the Question of the hon. Member, that the doors of the theatre opened inwards, I do not think that would materially affect the grounds on which the Bill of last Session was opposed.

MR. MACFARLANE

May I ask whether it is in the recollection of the right hon. and learned Gentleman that Captain Shaw made a Report in regard to places of exit at public entertainments in the Metropolis; and, whether the recommendations of Captain Shaw have been fairly and efficiently carried out?

DR. CAMERON

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman lay the Report on the Table?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

I have not yet received the Report; but I have no objection to do so.

MR. MACFARLANE

I shall move for the production of the Report of Captain Shaw.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

As I to the Report of Captain Shaw, the hon. Gentleman is, no doubt, aware that the authority in these matters is the Metropolitan Board of Works. I have done all in my power to induce the Board to carry out the recommendations, and I believe they are willing to carry them out. Indeed, I understand the works recommended have been carried out; but I should not like to say offhand