§ 56. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary what was the cause of the accident 25 at Ebury Bridge Road, Victoria, on Tuesday, 21st December; how many men were killed; and whether the overhead cradle was defective?
§ Sir S. HoareThis accident, which I understand occurred on Monday, 20th December, was due to the breaking of a pole supporting a painters' cradle. One man was killed and another injured. The cradle does not appear to have been defective, but subsequent investigations indicated that the pole had deteriorated.
§ 57. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary how many workmen were injured in the demolition of the disused railway arches in East Ferry Road, Millwall, on Wednesday, 22nd December; whether he is aware that a workman was killed four weeks previously when an adjoining arch fell; and whether he can give the House further information on the subject?
§ Sir S. HoareI understand that one man was injured on the date in question, being struck by a small piece of brickwork thrown from above, and that he was treated at hospital for a minor scalp injury but not detained there. No collapse of an arch occurred, as reported in certain newspapers. As regards the accident on 12th November, I would refer to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member on the 18th of that month.
§ 58. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the accident at the Apollo Cinema, Ardwick, Manchester; and how many workmen were injured?
§ Sir S. HoareI presume the hon. Member refers to an accident on 20th December during the construction of this building, when a steel erector named Monks received fatal injuries. I understand that he walked along a board for shuttering which had been temporarily left on some joists by joiners who had gone to fetch tools. Monks, apparently, did not realise that the board was not fixed, and when he reached the end it tilted up and he fell to the ground. No other workman was injured.