HC Deb 12 December 1911 vol 32 cc2148-50
Mr. J. WARD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the death of a workman named A. Sandiars, as the result of an accident on the new dock works, Rosyth, on Friday night, 1st December; whether he can say how long a time elapsed between the accident and the arrival of medcial assistance; how far the injured man had to be conveyed to his home or hospital, and the kind of conveyance used; whether any report has been received as to the causes of the injuries; and, if so, will he state them?

Mr. LAMBERT

A fatal accident occurred on 1st December at Rosyth. Thirty-five minutes elapsed between the accident and arrival of medical assistance. The injured man was conveyed three miles to the hospital in a motor car. An inquiry will be held by the Procurator Fiscal in accordance with the provisions of Scotch law. Any representation from that Court will be carefully considered by the Admiralty.

Mr. J. WARD

Does the hon. Gentleman, think that for a man injured internally in the way this man was, that a motor car for a three-miles' journey is the proper means of transit?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Will the hon. Gentleman give the House a Return of the serious and fatal accidents that have occurred at Rosyth, and will he say whether there is an attempt at Rosyth now to introduce Sunday labour?

Mr. LAMBERT

I do not think there would be any objection to give a Return of the fatal accidents; however, they have been very few up to now.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice should be given.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Should not that question be addressed to the right hon. Gentleman the Under-Secretary of State for War?

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the whole question of the hospital arrangements at Rosyth?

Mr. LAMBERT

The whole question has been very carefully considered.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

But it is all wrong!

Mr. LAMBERT

I beg the hon. Gentleman's pardon; the hospital accommodation at Rosyth and the arrangements there are very satisfactory.

Mr. J. WARD

What nonsense!

Mr. A. C. MORTON

Will there be any inquiry by the sheriff in the case of fatal accidents?

Mr. LAMBERT

I believe it is in accordance with the Scotch law that inquiries should be held, and so I stated in my answer.

Mr. REMNANT

May I ask whether two medical practitioners are appointed, one by the Admiralty and the other by the directors?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that.