HC Deb 07 May 1894 vol 24 cc575-6
COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)

Can the Secretary of State for War give the House any information as to the explosion at Waltham to-day?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley

(who replied) said: I deeply regret to have to announce that an explosion of a serious character has occurred this afternoon at Waltham Abbey. It is the first serious accident that has occurred there in connection with the manufacture of explosives. It would appear that an explosion took place where the waste nitro-glycerine was stored, and in some way spread to the stores. The accident has had a fatal result, four men being killed and some 20 others injured. I cannot say anything further at present, but of course the House may rely upon this sad occurrence being made the subject of a most careful investigation. I hope to be able to give some further information to-morrow.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

I asked a question a short time ago about an explosion of waste cordite, which happily was not attended with such serious results. I wish to know whether this explosion was of the same description?

MR. WOODALL

On the occasion referred to by the hon. and gallant Member there were no injurious results to the persons employed. On that occasion the waste nitro-glycerine was purposely fired in order to destroy it; but on the present occasion there was no such intention, and it appeared to have been accidentally detonated, and the detonation spread to the actual store.

MR. STUART-WORTLEY (Sheffield, Hallam)

This explosion has occurred in a Government factory, which is exempt from the Explosive Substances Act. I, therefore, hope that any inquiry that may be held will be directed to the point of seeing whether the same precautions are taken in this factory as are taken under the Act in any factory that is not under Government.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN, Stirling, &c.)

The attention of the War Office was directed to that point by the previous explosion. There has been a full inquiry, in which Colonel Majendie took part, into the arrangements with regard to the gun factory itself, and with regard to those mechanical appliances which are connected with the manufacture of nitro-glycerine.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

When may we expect Papers on the subject?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

If the Papers have not already been laid upon the Table, they will be so laid at once.

House adjourned at twenty-five minutes after Twelve o'clock.