HC Deb 15 December 1927 vol 211 cc2473-4
5. Mr. GIBBINS

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the badly-lighted ships' holds in which men have to work and which is the cause of a number of accidents at the Liverpool Docks, he will take steps to have this state of affairs altered?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The factory inspectors at Liverpool do not confirm this statement. None of the accidents at the Liverpool docks during loading or unloading of ships which have been reported this year can be attributed to this cause. Adequate lighting is required by the Docks Regulations, and if the hon. Member has any evidence showing that this requirement is not observed, and will forward it to me, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.

Mr. GIBBINS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the stipendiary magistrate commented on the fact last week, and fined one firm £25?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

There is so much noise in the House that I cannot hear the hon. Member.

Mr. GIBBINS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the stipendiary magistrate said that holds were becoming comparable with the mines for blackness?

Sir W.JOYNSON-HICKS

If the hon. Member will refer me to the case, I will go into it.

6. Mr. GIBBINS

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent fatal accident whereby two boilermakers using an acetylene burner were gassed and burnt to death inside the tank of a ship in Clarence Dock, Liverpool; and if he will consider whether special Regulations are needed to minimise the dangers caused by the use of mechanical appliances in confined spaces?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The circumstances of this accident were exceptional. It was due to the men having blown a large quantity of oxygen into the confined space of the tank for the purpose of removing some smoke which had accumulated there from a smouldering sack and having then entered the tank with a lighted candle. The accident was not connected in any way with the use of acetylene plant, but I may say-that the danger from fumes or gas in connection with such plant is fully recognised and special precautions against it are proposed in the draft new Shipbuilding Regulations.