HC Deb 25 November 1912 vol 44 cc795-6
20. Mr. JOHN WARD

asked the Home Secretary whether, somt time ago, Archibald Newlands was employed as a factory inspector for the Rosyth district in his Department; and, if so, whether, during Newlands' appointment, he inspected the machinery in use in the construction of the new dock works, including concrete mixers; and whether he made any reports upon the precautions necessary with regard to fencing these mixers to prevent workmen falling or being knocked into them; and, if so, what was the nature of such reports?

Mr. McKENNA

Mr. Newlands was recently the inspector in charge of the district in which Rosyth is situated. He was asked, on the occurrence of an accident in connection with the machinery referred to, to ascertain the circumstances. Mr. New-lands made certain inquiries and furnished a brief statement of the facts; but, as his inquiries showed that the work which was being carried on did not come under the Factory Acts, he did not make any formal report or put forward any recommendations.

Mr. J. WARD

Could the right hon. Gentleman give me a copy of the statement that he did make?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; Mr. Newlands' statement would be a confidential document.

Mr. J. WARD

Are all the factory inspectors' reports on general questions such as public works machinery, and the necessary precautions to be taken always confidential documents?

Mr. McKENNA

A report of this kind at this stage would certainly be a confidential document. My hon. Friend must understand that the report was not made under the Factory Acts, and is not therefore of the kind which ought to be published.

Mr. J. WARD

May I press for an answer to this question? Is the report being declared confidential by the right hon. Gentleman's Department for fear of prosecutions for perjury, this gentleman having given evidence in a compensation case directly hostile to the report which he has made to the Department?

Mr. McKENNA

No, that is the first I have heard of any suggestion of the kind.

Mr. J. WARD

It is for that purpose I put the question down.

Mr. McKENNA

I was not aware of it.