§ 59. Mr. JOHN BAKERasked the Minister of Transport if he has had his attention drawn to statements made at an inquest on three men who were killed at Blackpool by the falling of a light girder bridge, when it was alleged that the steel of which the bridge was made was of poor quality and unsuitable for the purpose; if he has made any inquiry into these statements; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ 58. Sir ROBERT GOWERasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the finding of a coroner's jury at Blackpool, on the 13th instant, that the collapse of a light girder bridge under construction there, which resulted in the death of three men, was due to the faulty foreign steel from which it was being constructed; and if he mill state what steps are taken to ensure that materials used in the construction of public bridges are reasonably fit for the purpose?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThis accident was reported to me, and I ordered an inquiry into its cause. Until I have had an opportunity of considering the report which will be made to me, I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter.
§ Mr. HANNONCan my right hon. Friend say from whence the steel that was employed in the construction of this bridge came?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is one of the points on which I shall be informed when the Report is made.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhen the Report is ready, will it be circulated to Members of the House, as this is a very important question?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI should have to consider that, because normally a report of an inspector to the Ministry is for the Minister alone.
§ Mr. HANNONPending the result of this inquiry, would my right hon. Friend warn local authorities that, in giving contracts for bridges of this kind, they should insist on having British steel employed in their construction?
§ Mr. BAKERIf the Report is not to be circulated, may I have notice, so that I can repeat my question?
§ Colonel ASHLEYCertainly.