§ 20. Mr. CLUSEasked the Home Secretary how many inspectors are engaged in inspecting cranes used in building and other operations; and whether, seeing that cranes were responsible for a total of 3,093 accidents in 1924, including 76 fatal accidents, it is proposed to increase the number of inspectors and take other action to reduce the number of accidents due to cranes?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe inspection of cranes forms part of the routine duty of the district staff, no inspectors being specially detailed for this work. The prevention of crane accidents has been receiving close attention and special steps have been taken and further steps are under consideration with a view to reducing the danger. For example, the provisions as to cranes in the Docks Regulations have been strengthened, and similar requirements included in the new draft codes for the building and shipbuilding industries. Further, in order to guard against crane collapses, which are a fruitful source of accidents, the British Engineering Standards Association have agreed, at the Home Office request, to prepare standard specifications for the construction and design of cranes.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas the hon. Gentleman any report in his office from the inspectors in reference to defective cranes, and, if so, will he circulate it?
§ Mr. B. SMITHDoes the hon. Gentleman realise the absolute necessity for inspectors for this work?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThat question will arise when we take the Factories Bill.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs there any Regulation requiring that every crane shall be worked so as to show the safe load in relation to the jib?