§ 22. Mr. SEXTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Frederick Penkert, who was killed on 12th August, 1921, on board the ss. "Lyngurn," in Waterford Harbour, by falling down an open unfenced hatchway during the hours of his employment; whether he is aware that this is a breach of the Dock Regulations (Section 79, Factory and Workshops Act); whether he is also aware that the above-mentioned Section is practically obsolete in Ireland, and in most of the small ports of Great Britain, owing to the necessary supervision being absent; whether under the new Irish Government the existing Factory Acts will apply; and if, generally, he will give instructions that notices shall be posted up in prominent places in dock sheds, wharves, and quays, as required by the Section, calling attention to the provisions of the Section with the object of securing a more efficient application?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)I have received a report on this accident, and it appears that a breach of the Regulations was committed, as stated in the question. I cannot, however, agree that the Regulations are obsolete in Ireland or the small ports of Great Britain. A large number of visits were paid last year by the inspectors to vessels in Irish ports, and special attention was given to the question of hatchways. Under the Government of Ireland Act, the Factory Acts continue in force, and their administration will be a matter for the Irish Governments. As regards the last part of the question, the Regulations are already required to be posted up in conspicuous places at every dock and wharf, and this requirement is strictly enforced.
§ Mr. SEXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman see that in every port these Regulations are posted up in the sheds where they may be seen by the men at work?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes. That is already watched carefully.