§ 23. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with an explosion at the Hackney Wick Stadium on Tuesday, 15th November; how many people were injured; and what was the cause of the explosion?
§ Mr. LloydI understand that this explosion occurred in connection with the demolition of an old petrol-storage tank. Three men were seriously injured, and I much regret that two of them subsequently died from their injuries. The inquest has been adjourned for further inquiries, and it is not possible at present for any statement to be made as to the cause of the explosion.
§ 24. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the explosion at the works of Wessex Aircraft Engineering Company, at Highport Aerodrome, near Salisbury; how many people were injured; and what was the cause of the explosion?
§ Mr. LloydAn ignition, followed by a fire, occurred at these works on the 15th instant, during the mixing of a smoke composition. I regret to say that two persons were injured, but one of them was able to resume work on the following day. The accident is being investigated, but the cause of the ignition has not yet been ascertained.
§ 29. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with a furnace accident at a Redcar works where two men were killed and others injured; and what was the cause of the accident?
§ Mr. LloydI understand that a blast furnace which had been idle since August was being renovated, and that four men were engaged in removing old brick lining from some flues. The work commenced on the morning of Sunday last, and in the afternoon the men were affected by gas. Two of them climbed out and appear to be fully recovered; one was rescued but died in hospital; the body of the fourth was extricated later. Four other men were affected by gas in attempting to recover the body. The case is being further investigated.