§ 7. Mr. MORRELLasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the course of the last twenty years the annual number of fatal accidents in factories and workshops has increased from 422 to 945, an increase of nearly 125 per cent., although the total number of factories and workshops has only increased, during the same period, by 70 per cent., that the total number of fatal accidents during 1912 was greater than it has ever been before; whether there are any special circumstances to account for this increase; and whether he is taking any special steps to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am aware of these figures, which I furnished myself to my hon. Friend in reply to a question by him last week. The question of the increase in the number of accidents in factories was thoroughly investigated by the Accidents Committee and is discussed at length in their Report, which was issued in 1911. It is impossible to deal with the subject in reply to a question, and I would accordingly refer my hon. Friend to that Report and the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector. My Department is busily engaged in carrying out the various measures which were recommended by the Committee, so far as it is possible to do so without legislation.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs my right hon. Friend aware that the increase in recent years has 1245 been quite exceptional, and can he give me any particular reasons, or any particular circumstances, to account for that exceptional increase?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe subject was dealt with in Debate a fortnight ago. I will endeavour to supplement what was said in Debate if my hon. Friend will put a question to me.