HC Deb 05 July 1976 vol 914 cc960-2
Mr. Scott-Hopkins

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement concerning the tragic death of four children, from Bakewell, on 4th July, at a youth centre in Glossop, Derbyshire.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Ernest Armstrong)

Let me say first how shocked I am at this tragedy. The House will, I know, join me in expressing sympathy with the parents of these four little girls.

The cause of death will be investigated by the coroner, and the House will appreciate that I cannot at this stage say anything that might prejudice those proceedings. We shall, of course, consider the findings in due course to see whether any legislative or other action on our part is required.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I join with the hon. Gentleman in expressing condolences to the parents of the four children who were so tragically killed on Sunday. Will the hon. Gentleman institute a rather wider inquiry than that which will be carried out by the coroner, bearing in mind the matters with which the coroner will deal? Will he institute a public inquiry into the construction of the building at the youth centre—the building was renovated only this year and this is the first time that it has been used—into the type of boiler in use, which was new, and into how the fumes escaped? A much wider question —and I hope that the investigation will cover it—concerns the supervision of young people, particularly very small children of 9 or 10 years of age, which were the ages of the children who were killed, not only at the youth centre but during the activities which they undertake on expeditions into areas such as the Peak District?

Mr. Armstrong

The staff of the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the matter at the request of the police. We shall take careful note of all the inquiries. The question of the running of establishments such as this one is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the education authorities, but I assure the House that we shall do all we can to make sure that the causes are known, and any action which can be taken to guard against a repetition certainly will be taken.

Mr. Whitehead

As someone who lives in the area so tragically bereaved by this event, may I associate myself with everything said by the hon. Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. Scott-Hopkins) and, through you, Mr. Speaker, thank him for raising the matter? May I ask my hon. Friend a specific question? Is there any evidence of failure of equipment of this kind, whether or not it involved a fatality, and will this be one of the subjects covered by the inquiry?

Mr. Armstrong

Yes, it certainly will. These buildings are subject to the building regulations, as is the installation of the stoves. All these matters will be carefully considered.

Mr. Le Marchant

Is the Minister aware of the disquiet in my constituency, where this tragedy took place, about the general supervision of children when they go out on to the moors or into potholes? We want all our children to lead full lives, but parents will not let them take part in these activities if they are not confident that they will be fully supervised. I visited the site very shortly after the tragedy, and I should like the Minister to know how superbly the local police and ambulance services, the county council and local authorities carried out their duties.

Mr. Armstrong

I am well aware of the concern about such a tragedy involving such young girls, but it is much too early to make judgments about the question of supervision. I assure the House that all the findings will be carefully studied.

Mr. Raison

May I from the Opposition Front Bench express our very deep sympathy to the families of the children who were killed? This is an occasion not for blame but for sorrow. However, I hope that the Minister will take careful note of the points made by my hon. Friends and the hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead).

Mr. Armstrong

I understand the concern of the House. We shall consider carefully all the findings.