§ 25. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with a man killed at Blackpool working in a water-main trench on 23rd November, and particularly whether the trench was properly timbered?
§ Sir S. HoareI understand that timbering did not appear to be necessary as the trench was quite shallow, only about two feet ten inches deep, with sloping sides, and some concrete fell from one side pinning down one of the workmen, who 575 was at the time in a stooping position in the trench. The fatality was due to an altogether exceptional combination of circumstances.
§ Mr. ThorneAre we to understand that a trench about 2 feet 6 inches deep fell in and that there was sufficient dirt to kill a man? Surely, common sense would tell us different from that.
§ Sir S. HoareIf the hon. Member will look into the full circumstances of this case, I think he will see that there was an altogether exceptional combination of circumstances which led to this fatality.