§ SIR THOMAS DEWAR (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)To ask the 1704 Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a recent inquest held before Dr. Waldo concerning the death of a young woman who lost her life through falling down a lift in a City hotel; and, in view of the recommendation of the jury that all lifts should be provided with locking gates, and in the case of the Metropolis be subject to inspection by the London County Council, will he communicate with that body on the subject, or take such other steps as he may consider prudent in the interest of the public safety.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) I have not received any report of the inquest referred to in the Question. The safe construction, arrangement, and fencing of lifts is a matter which is carefully attended to in factories, warehouses, and other places coming under the Factory Act; but there are no powers, so far as I am aware, to deal with the matter in other places such as hotels and offices. Legislation would be required for the purpose, which I am afraid I cannot promise to undertake; but any proposals for giving local authorities the power of dealing with the matter would receive my careful consideration.