HC Deb 08 September 1909 vol 10 cc1297-8
Mr. HUDSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can say what number of fatal and non-fatal accidents have occurred to men and boys engaged at the Midland Railway Depot, Poplar, during the year 1908 and the eight months ending 31st August, 1909?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Accidents at railway depots are reported in the first instance to the inspectors of factories, and only those actually occurring in railway working are forwarded on to the Board of Trade. Reports of one fatal accident and five non-fatal accidents during the year 1908, and of one fatal and one non-fatal accident during the first eight months of the present year at the depot in question have been, so forwarded.

Mr. HUDSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fatal accident which occurred on 28th August last to George Brewer, a boy of about 17 years of age, at the Midland Railway Depot, Poplar, and who was until quite recently employed as a van lad; whether the work he was performing at the time of the accident was scotching and breaking wagons; whether the wagons causing the accident were being drawn by a capstan, the driver of which was also an inexperienced person and was not in the service of the company; and whether he proposes to hold an inquiry into the circumstances?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have received a report of the accident referred to. An inquiry will be held into the matter, and pending this I do not think it desirable for me to make any statement as to the circumstances of the accident.