§ 47. Sir Alfred Beitasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to an accident which occurred at 4.10 p.m. on 30th April, 1938, off the Pimlico Steps, Grosvenor Road, Westminster, whereby a boy aged four years fell into the river and lost his life; whether he is aware that the steps are in a bad condition; who is responsible for seeing that these steps are protected so as to prevent children from gaining access to the river at this point; and what is being done to prevent a repetition of this accident?
§ Sir S. HoareMy attention has been drawn to this regrettable accident. I understand that the London County Council is responsible for the upkeep of the steps, and is looking into the matter, but my information does not suggest that the condition of the steps contributed to the accident.