§ 4. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the death of Joseph Floyd, who was killed by being 2231 caught in a revolving shaft whilst working at Cadby Hall, W.; and whether the shafting had been fenced in as laid down by the Factories Act?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)Yes, Sir, I have received a report on this case. It would appear that the shafting was not fenced as required by the Act, and I have authorised proceedings being taken against the occupiers for the offence.
§ Colonel DAYIn view of the number of accidents which have happened in this way lately, will the right hon. Gentleman ask his inspectors to take particular notice of this sort of thing in different factories?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer I have given shows that they do take particular notice. I think in this case they have taken particular notice and reported the matter to me, and I have authorised a prosecution.
§ Colonel DAYHow did the accident happen if they took particular notice? Should not the shafting have been properly fenced in before the accident and not after?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have said more than once that I am not satisfied that I have sufficient inspectors, and I hope that when the Factory Bill passes into law we shall have a further staff of inspectors.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs it the practice of the Department to inspect a new factory before it is put into operation?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think so, but perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.