HC Deb 23 December 1937 vol 330 c2136
14. Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretary the cause of the accident at West Thurrock, Essex, when a man was killed by a coal grab on Tuesday, 14th December?

Sir S. Hoare

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the accident which occurred on the steamship "Corbridge" on 8th November when Joseph Bird sustained injuries from which he died on 11th December. I am informed that the ship was discharging coal, that Bird, who was employed as a signaller, signalled from the hold to the crane man to lower the grab and then slipped so that the grab came down on his leg. There does not appear to have been any breach of the regulations under the Factory Acts.