HC Deb 27 May 1913 vol 53 cc19-20
31 Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department wehther his attention has been called to the jury's verdict and the coroner's comments in connection with the death of a crane signalman while working for the General Building Company on 24th April in High Holborn; if he is aware that the jury expressed an opinion that inspectors should have the power to inspect the Scotch derrick cranes and should always be fitted with a double chain; if he is aware that the chairman of the London County Council Building Acts Committee stated that for the past ten years representations have been made from time to time to the Home Office to have such cranes properly inspected; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

Mr. McKENNA

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 8th of this month to a question on the same subject by the hon. Member for the Westhoughton Division of Lancashire. I have not seen any such statement by the chairman of the London County Council Building Acts Committee, nor am I aware of any such representations having been made to me by the county council.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Is there any prospect of the Public Works and Engineering Bill being introduced this Session?

Mr. McKENNA

My hon. Friend knows that the state of public business at the present moment is very crowded, and that I am unable to make any statement as to the introduction of any further Bills.

Mr. WARD

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the Opposition to see if they will regard this matter as non-contentious, as it is purely for the defence of the workmen engaged in the special industry?

Mr. McKENNA

I will consult with my hon. Friend on the subject.