§ Mr. G. Thomas (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the explosion that occurred yesterday at Cardiff Prison.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI regret to inform the House that a serious explosion occurred while a test was being carried out on the installation of a gas fire in the women's section of Cardiff Prison yesterday morning. A prison works officer, a woman prison officer and a male prisoner sustained serious injuries and have been removed to hospital: the two former are making satisfactory progress. Structural damage was caused to the committee room in the women's prison, to the part worn stores below and possibly to the sleeping-in room above. The Prison Commissioners are making a thorough investigation into the causes of the explosion. I should like to express my sympathy with the injured.
§ Mr. ThomasWill the Minister be making a statement to the House following upon the report of the Commissioners?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI should like to consider the report, but the hon. Member can take it that if there is anything of interest I shall see that it is ventilated.