§ 63. Mr. GILLETTasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the loss of two lives due to the collapse during rebuilding of the Lord Nelson public house in Finsbury; and whether he has considered the desirability of strengthening the Building Acts in regard to the control of premises in course of demolition, especially in those cases where it is intended to use a portion for business purposes while demolition and rebuilding are being carried out?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have been asked to reply. The coroner has reported to me the findings of the jury in this case, which include a recommendation that the Building Acts should be strengthened in the direction indicated in the question. The amendment of the Building Acts would be a matter, in the first instance, for the consideration of the London County Council, and I am forwarding the jury's recommendations to the council. I may add that so far as the protection of workmen engaged on the demolition of buildings is concerned, the question of applying the Factory Acts to demolition work will be considered in connection with the Factories Bill.
Mr. BECKETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the great difficulties when public houses have to be altered or reconstructed is that if they 599 are closed they run a very serious risk of losing their licence? Can he introduce some Measure to avoid that?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think that that arises in this particular case. If the hon. Member has knowledge that that trouble does arise and that it operates to any great extent, I will consider it.