§ 87. Mr. MARCH (for Mr. W. THORNE)asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the accident on the budding in Blackfriars Road, S.E., on 8th March was due to the giving way of the concrete floor of the basement; if he is aware that the temporary wooden supports were withdrawn long before the concrete was firmly set; and whether the inspector expressed any opinion upon the matter?
§ Captain HACKINGNo, Sir. According to the information before me, the wooden supports were not withdrawn, but collapsed as a result of the concrete floor on which they were resting. The floor was not a new one and the concrete was firmly set. In the Inspector's opinion, the floor gave way partly owing to inadequate distribution of the weight carried by the supports, and partly owing to the fact that a trench was being dug near to the bottom of the props, the effect of which was to withdraw lateral support from the floor.
§ 88. Mr. MARCH (for Mr. W. THORNE)asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the fatal accident of a man engaged in excavating work on the site for a new bank in Poultry, E.C.: if he is aware the man was 50 killed while working 35 feet below ground through a heavy piece of wood falling on his head; if he can give any reasons why men working below ground were not protected against any kind of material falling on them; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Captain HACKINGI am informed that the facts are as stated in the question. The accident arose through the, wheel of a lorry, which was being backed along the adjoining roadway, catching and dislodging a loose piece of timber which was lying on the safety fender. Excavating operations ace not subject to any Regulations under the Factory Act, and I am advised that I have no power to take any action in this case. The Question of taking powers is being considered in connection with the Factories Bill.