HC Deb 11 March 1898 vol 54 cc1369-70
SIR MANCHERJEE M. BHOWNAGGREE (Bethnal Green, N.E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of deaths from drowning which have taken place in the east end portion of Regent's Canal from August, 1896; whether, as promised by him in reply to a Question on 5th August, 1897, he has obtained a special report on the unprotected parts of the canal; if so, will he state what suggestions are made in the report for the prevention of accidents; and, whether he has taken, or intends taking, any action to carry out such suggestions?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

Between August, 1896, and August, 1897, inquests were held on 31 bodies found in Regent's Canal. In eight cases a verdict of accidental death was found, and probably in some of the other cases also death was accidental. A special report has been made to me on the subject, setting out the safeguards which seem desirable; but I have no power, I fear, to enforce their adoption by the company.

SIR M. M. BHOWNAGGREE

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to lay the report and the returns of deaths on the Table?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

I shall be very willing to show it to my hon. Friend, but I am not aware that there is anything in it calculated to facilitate legislation on the subject.