HC Deb 27 May 1913 vol 53 c21
36. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent breakdown at the London County Council power station at Greenwich; if he is aware that the breakdown was caused by overloading the machinery in consequence of there not being enough machinery to generate the amount of power required for general use; and if he will cause an inquiry to be held in connection with the recent breakdown?

Mr. BUXTON

I am informed by the London County Council that the breakdown in question occurred in consequence of a cotter falling out of the high-pressure piston rod of one of the engines, and that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the mishap was caused by overloading the machinery. I hardly think that an inquiry such as my hon. Friend suggests would serve any useful purpose.