§ Mr. J. WARDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, (1) whether he has received any report as to the death by accident of George Prout, a workman employed upon the Rosyth new dock works, on Monday, 12th February, and whether his Department was represented at the inquest; and (2) whether his attention has been called to the death, on 16th February, of Colin Duncan, a workman employed at Rosyth new dock works, by accident; whether he Las asked for a report upon the cause and circumstances of the accident; and what action he proposes to take to prevent such accidents in the future?
Mr. LAMBERTI regret that two fatal accidents have been reported to the Admiralty. They will be investigated by the court of inquiry in due process of law. These men were employed by the contractor, who will be represented at the inquiry. Any recommendations made by the court will receive every consideration.
§ Mr. J. WARDDo I understand the answer of the hon. Gentleman is that his Department does not think it necessary to be represented at the inquiry?
Mr. LAMBERTNo, Sir. There is no necessity for the Admiralty to be repre- 726 sented there. The Lord Advocate will be represented by the Procurator Fiscal.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYCan the hon. Gentleman say how many fatal accidents have taken place on these works since the commencement?
Mr. LAMBERTYes; the number is eight, which is a good deal less than the average on other works of a similar character.