HC Deb 19 November 1940 vol 365 cc1871-2W
Mr. Buchanan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has made any preliminary inquiry into the accident which occurred on 25th October, 1940, at a works in Glasgow when 17 persons lost their lives and many were injured; if so, with what result; and whether it is intended to hold a public inquiry into the cause of the accident?

Mr. E. Bevin

Inquiries by the factory inspectorate into the cause of this unfortunate explosion were begun immediately, and various preliminary steps were taken, but progress has been delayed, partly owing to the necessity of removing debris and partly owing to difficulties in questioning for the time being some severely injured persons. The Department will be in touch with the Scottish legal authorities on the subject of a public inquiry, and I cannot make a definite statement on that point at this stage. I should like to express my deep sympathy with the relatives and friends of the killed and injured.