§ 22. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the report of the death of Lionel Bertram Brunyce at Lymington, caused by being caught in the shafting of certain unfenced mill-gearing; and whether he is satisfied that the existing provisions under the Factories Act against unfenced machinery are adequate?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have received reports on this case which show that the accident was due to failure to comply with the requirements in the Act as to fencing of dangerous machinery and that the occupiers have been prosecuted by the factory inspector and fined. Important decisions have recently been obtained from the High Court as to the obligations of occupiers in regard to overhead shafting, and I am advised that, so far as concerns this class of machinery, the existing provisions of the Act as interpreted by the High Court are adequate.
§ Captain GEECan my right hon. Friend say what proceedings will be taken against the factory inspector who failed to report this before the fatality occurred?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid that the hon. and gallant Gentleman must give me details. I have no information of any breach by the factory inspector.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs my right hon. Friend not aware that the number of inspectors is entirely inadequate?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have repeatedly said so in this House.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWhy does my right hon. Friend not, increase the number.?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy Noble Friend knows that the question of increasing the number of factory inspectors would be attacked from another point of view, and at present all I can do is to do the best I can with the existing inspectors, who are working admirably.