HC Deb 18 June 1903 vol 123 cc1306-7
MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the House any information regarding the awful calamity which happened at Woolwich Arsenal this morning, by which it is reported fifteen men have lost their lives, and forty others have been injured.

MR. BRODRICK

I deeply regret to say that a very serious explosion took place in the lyddite shell-filling rooms, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, at about 8.15 a.m. to-day. The following is the list of casualties:—Killed: J. Usher, Frank Curren, W. Edwards, C. Adam, A. Swords, Alfred Greenlees, — Pinhorn, G. Case, E. Newton, — Remington, J. T. Larkins (died after admission to hospital). The remains of four men are unrecognised; the following five are missing:— — Morley, S. Johnson, — Herbert, — Marshall, — Connor. Very seriously injured: A. Goldsmith, A. Stevens, F. Stevens. Less seriously injured: — Webb, G. Crofts, A Saunders, F. Smith, W. Wood, D. Gaurd, E. Stevenson, A. Smedley, E. Howell, E. Hammond, H. Wickham, N. G. Titmarsh, J. Waters, J. Hillers. No further detailed information can be given until the Report of the Board of Inquiry, which will be forthwith assembled, has been received.

CAPTAIN NORTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the families of the men who have been killed do not suffer?

MR. BRODRICK

Of course I shall be glad to do anything which lies in my power in that direction. Any resources we have under the ordinary rules will be used.