§ 59. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the evidence and verdict at the inquest upon Mrs. Elizabeth Waterworth, of 1, Beaconsfield Road, W.4, who received fatal injuries in an explosion at this address; whether the 1848 gas which caused the explosion was evolved by the heating of the covering of certain adjacent electric cables in the road; and, if so, whether he has taken any steps to prevent such an occurrence in future?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am advised by the Electricity Commissioners that there does not appear to be sufficient evidence that the explosion was in fact due to the breakdown of an electric main, but I am asking them to make further inquiries.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the right hon. Gentleman do all he can to press for a public inquiry into teat case so as to allay the great anxiety felt in the district in regard to this explosion?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI think I had better wait and hear the result of the further inquiries to be made by the Electricity Commissioners. If they are not satisfactory, I will consider what my hon. Friend suggests, namely, a public inquiry.