HC Deb 30 July 1936 vol 315 cc1706-7
30 and 31. Sir A. WILSON

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the case of John Steel, a Post Office telegraph messenger boy, who was crushed to death on 24th July while operating an electric lift in Grosvenor Gardens; and whether he can yet make any statement as to what, if any, steps are proposed to reduce the increasing number of deaths, mostly of juveniles, caused by, or in connection with, lifts;

(2) whether his attention has been called to the fatal accident to Oswald Bass, aged 18, in a lift on Sunday, 19th July, at St. James's Court; and whether he can make any further statement as to what, if any, steps he proposes to take to bring hotels and residential premises employing over 40 persons within the scope of the Factory Acts for the better protection of workers employed therein?

Mr. LLOYD

Both these accidents are being investigated. As regards the general question, my right hon. Friend has, through the courtesy of insurance companies and others, obtained much useful information as to lift accidents on various classes of non-factory premises. This information is being carefully examined, but my right hon. Friend regrets that he is not yet in a position to make any statement as to the action to be taken. Juveniles are concerned in a number of these accidents but the returns do not bear out the idea that most of these accidents happen to juveniles.