§ Mr. MILLS(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the terrible explosion at the works of Messrs. Gilberts, ammunition factors, Slades Green; whether he will institute an inquiry into the whole of the circumstances and use the legal powers at his disposal?
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESThe factory at which the explosion occurred is under the control of the Disposals Commission, which does not come within the jurisdiction of the Explosives Act, but I have been informed by the Commission of the circumstances. I m in communication with the coroner and the Disposals Commission with a view to a full investigation being made at the inquest, and the officers of my Department will give any assistance that may be required. I hope the House will permit me to express the great sympathy of His Majesty's Government with the relatives of those who lost their lives in this deplorable accident.
§ Mr. MILLSWould the Parliamentary Secretary say whether shops outside the jurisdiction of the Government come within the scope of that order?
§ Mr. DAVIESI am not certain on that point, but will inquire.
§ Mr. DAVIESI did not say that.
§ Mr. HARDIEWill inquiry be made particularly to know whether the workers employed knew the different explosives from the colour or any other means?
§ Mr. SHORTOn a point of Order. The Parliamentary Secretary in reply to me said that he did not say what I suggested in my supplementary question. I think if he looks at his reply he will see that he gave no indication that there will he any other inquiry apart from that which takes place at the inquest.
§ Mr. DAVIESI will see that a public inquiry is held, if necessary, following the inquest.
§ Mr. G. SPENCERIs it not desirable in occurrences of this kind that there should be an inquiry altogether apart from the coroner's inquest?