§ 45. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Prime Minister whether any inquiry is being conducted into the cause of the recent explosion in East London; and whether any and what steps are being taken in the way of compensation for the relatives of the victims?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part of the question is that, without admitting liability, the Ministry of Munitions are prepared to pay all reasonable claims for damage t>r injury arising out of the explo- 962 sion. Immediately after the disaster an office was opened in the locality to receive claims. The claims which have been received are now being investigated and dealt with as rapidly as possible with a view to settlement.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the right hon. Gentlemen think it is time for the Government to obtain powers making it obligatory upon them to recognise all these claims in regard to munitions explosions, and is he not aware that there is a large number of munitions factories adjacent to houses?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe hon. Member must have overlooked a Bill that was introduced at the end of last Session referring to claims for compensation arising out of explosions. I will send him a copy of it.
§ Mr. THORNEThen how is that you say "without admitting any liability" in connection with recent explosions?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe cannot admit absolute liability in every case. It must depend upon the circumstances.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Report of this inquiry will be published?
§ Dr. ADDISONI understand the Report will be received very soon. I cannot say anything about publication at the present moment.