HC Deb 14 May 1908 vol 188 cc1329-30
MR. ARTHUR HENDERSON (Durham, Barnard Castle)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give the approximate number of fatal and non-fatal accidents which have occurred at the works of the Franco-British Exhibition at Shepherd's Bush since its construction began in 1906; and how many of such accidents have been reported to factory inspectors.

MR. GLADSTONE

Two fatal accidents have occurred, both of which were notified to the inspector. I regret that I am not able to state the number of non-fatal accidents notifiable to the factory inspector which have occurred. Thirty-two have been so notified, but the inspector reports that a very much larger number have undoubtedly occurred. The matter has been occupying the attention of the inspectors, and proceedings have been taken against ten firms engaged at the works for failure to comply with the requirements of the Act. In each of these cases, with the exception of one which is still outstanding, convictions were obtained and substantial penalties were imposed.