§ 16. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that four youths lost their lives recently in an accident at Heaton bleaching mills, Blackley, Manchester; that evidence produced at the coroner's inquest proved that a safety recommendation made some time previously to the firm by His Majesty's factory inspector had not been carried out; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. HACKINGMy right hon. Friend has only just received the reports on this most unfortunate case and there has not been time to consider them. I am therefore not in a position to make any statement, but my right hon. Friend will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the point that these four deaths might easily have been prevented if the recommendation for safety in these mills, made long before the accident by the factory inspector, had been carried out? Will he also look into the question whether it is not possible to take some action against employers who will not carry out the recommendations of factory inspectors in this way?
§ Mr. HACKINGCareful inquiries are being made. I cannot make any other remarks upon the case until a full report has been made.
Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANHas it not been pretty well shown already that it was entirely an accident?
Viscountess ASTORIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that we have enough factory inspectors, so that when they have warned employers they can keep on at them until things are put right?