§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether his attention has been called to the death of George Stevenson by accident on Portsmouth new dock works on 6th March; whether he has received a Report upon the cause and circumstances of the same; and whether his Department is being represented at the adjourned inquest; (2) whether his attention has been called to the death of E. Millar, as a result of an accident on Rosyth new dock works, on the 8th March; whether he has received a Report upon the cause and circumstances of the accident; and whether his Department intends to be represented at the inquest?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The causes and circumstances of the fatal accidents in question were duly reported to the Admiralty. In each case the man wais employed by the contractors. It has not been the practice for the Admiralty to be represented at the inquests in such cases.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it would not be possible for the Department to be represented at these inquiries?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI believe, in point of fact, that where, necessary the Departments are represented, in England the Home Office through the Factory Inspector, and in Scotland I think there is representation through the Procurator-Fiscal, who represents the Lord Advocate. I will, however, go into the question.