§ Mr. THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the explosion at the Roslin gunpowder factory; the cause of the accident and the number of persons killed and injured; and what property outside the factory was damaged?
Captain WALLACEThe circumstances of this accident, which occurred on Saturday last, are at present under investigation by the Chief Inspector of Explosives. I am glad to say that no one was killed or injured, but I am not yet in a position to give the further particulars asked for by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to give a full report in connection with the spirit drum explosion; whether anyone was killed or injured; and whether the factory regulations were violated?
Captain WALLACEIf the hon. Member will send me particulars to enable me to identify the case, I will make inquiries.
§ Mr. THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from his factory inspector in connection with the explosion that took place at the Gas Light and Coke Company's works at Bromley-by-Bow; and whether he can state the number of persons injured and the cause of the explosion?
Captain WALLACEYes, Sir. This explosion occurred in connection with the emptying of a purifier. Twelve men were slightly injured, three of whom were fit to work next day and the remaining nine are 1855W expected to return to work next week. Material damage was negligible. Such explosions are liable to occur in gas works, and special precautions, which appear to have been carefully observed, are taken to prevent them. The question of further precautions is under investigation.