§ 23. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of the accident at Messrs. Curtiss and Harvey's gunpowder factory, near Faversham, on the 27th January, when two men, Harry Gardiner and Percy Croucher, were killed by an explosion; whether he is satisfied that all proper precautions were taken by the firm in question; and, if so, if he is satisfied that the Home Office regulations for explosive works are adequate?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir; the accident has been carefully investigated by my Department and it is reported to me that all proper precautions were taken by the firm. There is no reason to think that the Home Office regulations are inadequate. The accident occurred in the corning house, perhaps the most dangerous process in the manufacture of gunpowder. This particular house has been running ever since the Act of 1875 came into operation without a mishap, and the total number of accidents in corning houses throughout the country during the last 26 years has been nine only. The question, however, whether anything further can be done is receiving the attention of my Department.
§ Major Sir GRANVILLE WHELERAre we to take it that, as far as this particular firm is concerned, no fault can 2102 be found at the present moment with their general arrangements for safeguarding their workers?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is so. As far as we know, all the precautions that can be adopted are taken by this firm. We are considering whether there are any other possible precautions which can be suggested, and, if so, the firm will be asked to adopt such precautions.