HC Deb 11 February 1937 vol 320 cc566-7
30. Mr. Hicks

asked the Home Secretary the number of workmen employed on the reconstruction of the Earl's Court Exhibition buildings during the past 12 months; the number of accidents sustained by workmen on the site throughout the period; and what proportion of these were fatal and non-fatal?

Mr. Lloyd

According to such information as I have been able to obtain, the highest number employed at any time in the operations was about 3,50o, and at present there are about 1,750. Since the commencement of building operations on the site, 249 accidents have been reported; of these two were fatal.

Mr. Hicks

Do I understand, from the hon. Gentleman's reply, that that is the full information that he has—that the total number of accidents was only 249, and that only two were fatal?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hicks

Is it not possible for the, hon. Gentleman's Department to get the facts, which are that there were 16 fatal accidents and nearly 2,000 people were injured on this job?

Mr. Lloyd

I have given to the House the information that has been furnished to the Department. If the hon. Member has any special information, we shall be very glad to receive it.

Mr. Hicks

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for his answer. Is he aware that his right hon. Friend communicated with me recently saying that special attention would be given to this job on account of the number of accidents that had occurred; and will he co-operate with the Ministry of Labour and make inquiries, in view of this terrible toll of accidents?