HC Deb 04 March 1937 vol 321 cc528-9
37. Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House any information in connection with the fatal accident to a workman employed at the Earl's Court Exhibition; whether he can state the number of workmen killed and injured since this work began; and what action the Government intend to take in this matter?

Sir J. Simon

I understand that last Monday two men were engaged in erecting an overhead gangway. Part of it, which they had not yet secured, was resting on some girders and in some way became dislodged with the result that one of the men fell, and, I regret to say, was killed. The matter is being further investigated and the result of the inquest will be carefully considered. The number of accidents reported to the Department under the Factory Acts in connection with this undertaking is 280, of which four were fatal. I understand that two other fatalities occurred before the work became subject to the Acts. The inspectors will continue to give close attention to these operations and take all necessary steps to enforce the observance of the regulations.

Mr. Thorne

Does not the Home Secretary recognise that the tremendous number of accidents, fatal and otherwise, at Earl's Court indicates that there must be some negligence somewhere? The ordinary workman looks upon this place as a human slaughter-house.

Sir J. Simon

I hope that by co-operation we shall be able to stop these accidents, and I think the inspectors are doing their best.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to state how many of the engineers in control of the work there are aliens?

Mr. Hicks

Can we take it that the Home Office is still continuing its inquiries concerning Earl's Court?

Sir J. Simon

Yes, Sir.

Children receiving free meals during the month of January, 1937.
Local Education Authority. Number of children receiving free solid meals. Number of children receiving free milk meals. Total number of individual children fed free.
Derbyshire (Area under County Council) — 4,004 4,004
Derby C.B. … … … 259 2,237 2,237
Buxton … … … No free meals provided.
Chesterfield … … … — 309 309
Glossop* … … … — 596 596
Ilkeston … … … 45 59 100
Total … … … 304 7,205 7,246
* 377 children received sandwiches in addition to milk during the month of January, 1937.