§ MR. SAMUEL SMITH (Flintshire)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of accidents which occur at the Liverpool Docks in connection with the loading of vessels owing mainly to defective machinery; and whether the Board of Trade can enforce stricter regulations with a view to reduce the number of preventible accidents?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYMy attention has been drawn to this matter. Accidents in the Liverpool Docks have been numerous; but it is not correct to say that they are mainly due to defective machinery. The statements on the subject which have appeared in the local papers I believe to be exaggerated. So far as the accidents are due to preventable causes, the Factory Inspectors will use every means in their power to secure the safety of the workmen.