HC Deb 17 May 1938 vol 336 cc192-3
5. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cause of the accident at the sports ground of the Empire Exhibition at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, when a number of persons were injured, one of whom has since died; whether the sports machines were passed after inspection; the cause of the accident; and whether all these machines are regularly inspected and by whom are they inspected?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I am informed that the facts have been reported to the Crown authorities, and, pending their consideration of the matter, I am not in a position to make any statement as to the circumstances of the accident. I may add that, with the object of avoiding similar accidents in future, an additional safety device has been fitted to each carriage on the machine, at the direction of the Master of Works of the City of Glasgow.

Mr. McGovern

Will the Secretary of State take into consideration the daring and dangerous character of many of these machines, and see that they are inspected regularly?

Lieut.-Coionel Colville

The hon. Member has now raised a rather wider question. So far as this case is concerned, the matter is now in the hands of the Crown authorities.

Mr. Maxton

The last part of my hon. Friend's question does raise the wider point. Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say specifically whether amusement machines of this description are inspected by anyone at any time?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I cannot say that that is so in the case of all the devices in the entertainment parks. I shall, however, look into the point that the hon. Member has raised.

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