§ 83. Mr. THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House any information in connection with the death of Edward James Sharp, who fell into a coal shute at a paper mill at Kemsley, Kent, and was carried with the pulverised fuel down the feed-pipe to the furnaces; and whether the shute was properly protected and the safety regulations observed?
§ Mr. LLOYDI have received a report on this very sad accident. It appears that it arose from overkeenness on the part of the deceased which led him to take an unnecessary risk. He climbed over the guard rails protecting the shute, having undertaken, without instructions and by an unauthorised method, to attempt to remove a piece of piping which had fallen 1410 down the shute and was causing an obstruction. The shute was, I am advised, adequately protected and no breach of the Factory Acts or Regulations appears to have been involved.
§ Mr. MAITLANDAs this matter concerns a constituent of mine, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the proprietors of this paper mill are exceedingly concerned at this accident, and that they have the very highest reputation for the consideration they show to their employés?
§ Mr. BELLENGERHas this machinery been inspected by an inspector of the Home Office?
§ Mr. LLOYDAccidents of this kind are reportable under the terms of the Factory Act.
§ Mr. BELLENGERBut has it been inspected?
§ Mr. SILVERMANWill the hon. Gentleman consider introducing legislation to prevent a workman who shows excessive zeal thereby exempting his employer from payment of compensation?