HC Deb 13 February 1917 vol 90 cc437-8
41. Colonel YATE

asked the Minister of Munitions, with regard to the recent explosion in East London, if he will say who was the man responsible for the accumulation of dangerous explosives in the centre of such a thickly populated neighbourhood; and whether it was absoltely necessary that so great an accumulation should be permitted at any one time even if the exigencies of the War required manufacture in that particular place?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Worthington Evans)

The matter is under the investigation of an expert Committee, whose Report is expected shortly, and, meanwhile, it would not be right of me to deal with the matter. I must not be taken to concur in my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that there was any undue accumulation of explosive material at the factory.

Mr. PRINGLE

Has the Department not had warnings as to the danger of such accumulations by similar explosions which have occurred in Ayrshire?

Sir W. EVANS

I think the hon. Member ought to be content that the matter is being investigated.

Colonel YATE

How does the hon. Gentleman account for the greatness of the explosion in East London if there was no undue accumulation?

Sir W. EVANS

That is one of the matters which is the subject of investiga- tion, and my hon. and gallant Friend must be content to await the Report.

Colonel YATE

Will the Report be presented?

Sir W. EVANS

That I cannot say until I have seen the Report.

Colonel YATE

Then what is the good of my waiting for the Report?