HC Deb 16 February 1893 vol 8 cc1564-5
MR. MAURICE HEALY (Cork)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the coopers' work in connection with the pork supply at Haulbowline—namely, the opening and heading of the barrels, &c., is done by unskilled labourers; and whether regular coopers will be employed for the purpose?

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLE-WORTH,) Lancashire, Clitheroe

The cooper's work in connection with the receipt of pork at Haulbowline is done by the cooper of the Flagship, assisted by hired labourers. There has been no need to employ more than one regular cooper.

DR. TANNER (Cork County, Mid)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the existing sheds are intended for the reception of repairing plant at Haulbowline, Cork Harbour; for what purpose was the repairing of the said sheds carried out, and at what cost; and whether most of the required engines and plant manufactured for Haulbowline have been stored in the arsenals at Deptford and Devonport; and, if so, how long, and when will they be utilised?

SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

Yes, Sir; the sheds at Haulbowline are for receiving the plant, and the repairs were for the purpose of adapting them to that purpose at an expense of about £2,800. The plant is being erected at Haulbowline, for the purpose of being used there whenever required, and was merely received and examined at Deptford, for transmission to Haulbowline. None of it has been stored either at Deptford or Devonport.

DR. TANNER

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been directed to the faulty character of the repairs to buildings in connection with the Haulbowline Docks; and whether he is aware that a man named William Chute was killed, and William Joyce and William Finn injured, in consequence of the collapse of a portion of the new works on Thursday last?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON,) Dundee

The repairs in question are being. carried out to enable the works which are in contemplation at the Docks to be completed. It is, I regret to say, true that a man has been killed owing to the collapse of a portion of the works, and precautions have been taken to prevent a similar-accident in the future. The question of responsibility will be inquired into by the Coroner's jury at the inquest.