§ 28. Mr. Thorneasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can give the House any information in connection with an accident to a man who is employed by the Office of Works at the House of Commons, what was the cause of the accident, and any further information about the matter?
§ The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)The accident occurred on the afternoon of 18th June, when the workman, who was employed by my Deportment as a hot-water fitter, was found lying unconscious on the floor of the pantry attached to the House of Commons kitchen. He was removed to Westminster Hospital, where he died the following morning. At the inquest, the post-mortem examination revealed that he had died from a fracture at the base of the skull, and that he had suffered from a form of arterial disease which might have caused giddiness. He had apparently fallen and struck his head, either against a table or on the floor, and the coroner accordingly found that his death was due to accidental causes.
§ Mr. ThorneWill compensation be paid to the relatives in this case?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe claim is being handled by the man's union, and the matter is being investigated.