§ Mr. Lees-Jonesasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the condition of the father, mother, and sister of Albert Ross, who was killed as the result of a bomb explosion in Manchester on 16th January, 1939; and, in view of the fact that the three persons alluded to were almost wholly dependent on Ross's earnings as a casual porter, in the Manchester fish market, whether he will consider making a grant to these dependants?
§ Sir S. HoareWhile I have the deepest sympathy for the relatives, I regret that there are no funds at my disposal out of which any grant could be paid to the relatives of Mr. Ross.
§ Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary whether the two people killed and the three injured were working on the job when a wall in the course of demolition collapsed in Cannon Street, Manchester, on Tuesday 14th February, or whether they were pedestrians; and what precautions were taken to prevent the wall collapsing?
§ Sir S. HoareI understand that the two persons killed and two of those injured were employed by the demolition contractor, and were at the time of the collapse in the street, near a lorry which was being loaded. A passing motorist was also injured. It appears that no question arose of special precautions to prevent the collapse of the two walls in question, as they were regarded as safe, and the coroner said that no blame could be attached to the contractor or the foreman.