§ 22. Brigadier-General NATIONasked the Home Secretary whether any inquiry is being held as to the causes of the collapse of a warehouse in Tower Street, Hull, on the 18th January, whereby a number of persons were killed and others seriously injured; and whether any compensation will be given to dependants who are now destitute?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir, the Factory Department are actively investigating the matter and keeping in close touch with the operations of removing the debris. I am advised that it is unlikely that any definite conclusions can be reached till the debris has been cleared, and the coroner has, I understand, adjourned the inquest pending further progress of these operations. I have no information on the point raised in the latter part of the question.
§ Brigadier-General NATIONIs there normally any annual inspection of factory buildings of this kind, where large numbers of men are employed?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI should have to have notice as to whether this particular factory was inspected, but I imagine that all factories are inspected from time to time by the factory inspectors.