§ 15. Mr. MACKINDERasked the Homo Secretary whether his attention has been called to the crane accident at Lever's new docks, Bromborough; if he is aware that a youth named Ellis, 14 years of age, was acting as fireman on this crane, and at the time of the accident had been continuously employed for over 26 hours, and that it is a common practice for children to be employed at night on these cranes, and that the Bebington and Bromborough District Council have taken no steps to operate the powers conferred upon them by the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children's Act, 1920; and whether he will inquire into the matter?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI have received a report from the factory inspector which shows that the boy in question was employed off and on throughout the period stated in the question and that a few other lads under 18 years of age have been also occasionally employed at night on this work. The attention of the local authority was at once directed to the requirements of the Act referred to by the hon. Member, and I understand that they have already taken steps to prevent any further contraventions in the district.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs there going to be any prosecution?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe difficulty is that this work is not under the factory law, and therefore the Home Office has nothing to do with a prosecution. It is the business of the local authorities to prosecute, if they think fit.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIn view of the extremely bad case—not to put it any worse —could not the Home Office make a representation that there should be a prosecution? Twenty-six hours for a boy of 14!
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI agree with the hon. Member that it is a very bad case, and I will convey what the hon. Member says to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs he aware that in this particular ease there was a broad gauge rail and also a narrow gauge rail, and that although the crane was working to its full heavy-lifting capacity, it was running only on the narrow gauge, which indicates extreme carelessness?