§ 24. Mr. DENVILLEasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report on the explosion in a house situate in Scotswood Road, Newcastle, where several lives were lost; and has he any statement to make?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have obtained a report from the Chief Constable of Newcastle in regard to this distressing accident. Five persons, I regret to say, have lost their lives as a result of the explosion, and six were injured. The hon. Member will appreciate that I am not in a position to make any further statement in the matter pending the proceedings at the coroner's inquest, which I understand has been adjourned until 9th December.
§ Mr. THORNECan the Home Secretary tell us the cause of the explosion?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have a note about it, but I think it would be better to let the coroner's inquiry take place, because it will, of course, be addressed to that very question.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the fact that most of these explosions occur in working class districts in our big industrial centres?