§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Home Secretary if he can state the total number of boys and men injured and killed in the shipbuilding yard of Messrs. Cammell, Laird, and Company, Limited, Birkenhead, during the past two years, and the verdicts given in cases where inquests have been held; and whether the chief inspector of factories and workshops is satisfied that all reasonable precautions are taken by this firm to prevent accidents in their shipbuilding yard?
§ Mr. McKENNADuring the two years ending 30th November last, the total number of accidents reported from this yard was 1,102, of which 187 occurred to young persons. The great majority of the accidents were very slight. Sixteen were fatal—namely, thirteen to adults and three to young persons. The verdicts in all cases were "Accidental death," and in no case was the firm blamed. In two cases, where the work was being executed by contractors, the jury recommended that the lighting should be improved, and the firm took steps to remedy this in such cases in the future. It is reported to me that this firm takes all reasonable precautions to prevent accidents, and that the recommendations contained in the special report on accidents in shipbuilding yards, issued by the Home Office in 1908, are well carried out.
§ Sir WALTER MENZIESCan the right hon. Gentleman state the number of the men employed in this shipyard altogether?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think the number is about 2,500.
§ Sir W. MENZIESIs not that an extraordinary proportion of injured?
§ Mr. McKENNANo; I do not think it would be extraordinary, as the accidents reported include a great many which are very trivial.
§ Mr. CROOKSIt is fifty out of every one hundred employed.
§ Mr. McKENNANot quite. In the course of a year it is not to be unexpected that a great many trivial accidents, slight injuries to hands and feet, should be reported.
§ Sir W. MENZIESDo I understand that in these works, with 2,500 men employed, there were sixteen men killed during the course of the year?
§ Mr. McKENNATwo years.
§ Sir W. MENZIESEven in two years is not that an extraordinary number for the number of men employed?
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs this known as the human slaughter-house?
§ Mr. WEDGWOODHow do those figures compare with Armstrong's or Barrow?
§ Mr. McKENNAI must have notice of a question of that kind.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEWho was it reported that the regulations have been properly carried out in this yard?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Home Office inspector.
§ Mr. CROOKSIs one of the regulations that the men should meet with accidents like this—it is abominable!