§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Home Secretary the result of the inquiries with reference to the explosion that took place on 19th July last in one of the purifiers at Hanley Gas Works?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI have received a report with regard to this explosion, from which it appears that the purifier in question was last emptied on 9th March of this year, and that three quarters of an hour intervened between the lid being lifted and the men entering the purifier. It would appear that a longer interval should have been allowed; and I am arranging for further inquiries to be made as to the practice at other works, and into the subject generally. I may, perhaps, add, that the Inspector informs me that 54 purifiers have been dealt with in the same way during the last two years at the Hanley Gas Works without any mishap.