HC Deb 17 July 1911 vol 28 cc676-8
Mr. JOHN WARD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any report upon an accident resulting in the death of a man named Robert O'Brien at Rosyth on 10th July; if so, can he state the cause and circumstances of the accident; and whether it is proposed to have his Department represented at the inquiry?

Mr. McKENNA

Reports have been received respecting the fatal accident in question. The cause of the accident cannot, pending the inquest, be definitely stated, but it is believed that he fell in front of, and was run over by the wagon he was driving. It is not proposed to have the Admiralty represented at the inquiry.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Is it not unusual for a Department, one of whose men is killed, not to attend the inquiry?

Mr. McKENNA

No. In this case the man was not employed by the Admiralty. It would be very unusual for the Admiralty to be represented at an inquest upon a man employed by a firm of contractors.

Mr. J. WARD

Under the Admiralty?

Mr. McKENNA

Well, doing work for the Admiralty.

Mr. J. WARD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any report of an accident by which a man named William Broadly was seriously injured on 10th July while working at the north wall of the submarine basin at Rosyth; and, if so, what was the cause and circumstances of the accident; and what is the present condition of the injured workman?

Mr. McKENNA

Reports have been received respecting this accident. The man was filling granite chips into a skip, which struck the gauge box in which he was standing, causing it to fall over the end of a truck and carrying the man with it. It was reported on Saturday last that Broadly was still in hospital, but progressing satisfactorily.

Mr. J. WARD

asked whether the resident engineers representing the Admiralty during the construction of the outer wall of the docks at Rosyth have reported the number of accidents by which men have fallen from the gantry into the sea; and whether they are satisfied with the life-saving apparatus supplied for such emergencies?

Mr. McKENNA

It is not necessary to report such accidents as the hon. Member refers to if no injury or hurt follows as a result of the immersion. Buoys and boats have generally been available, but fuller precautions are being arranged.