§ Miss Wrightasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will arrange for an urgent investigation to be held into the explosion at the ammunition division of IMI Works Ltd. in Witton, Birmingham on Sunday 20 May; and if he will report to the House on its result, stating whether he is satisfied with the safety precautions at these works.
§ Mr. MayhewI am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that an investigation into the explosion at the Witton factory of IMI (Kynoch) Ltd. on Sunday 20 May was commenced by an inspector of explosives from the Health and Safety Executive in the afternoon of the same day and that this is still continuing. The investigation will not be complete until the laboratory 79W examination of certain pieces of equipment, now taking place, is finished. Resumption of work was not authorised until the inspector was satisfied with the standard of safety precautions. I shall write to the hon. Member when the inspector has completed his investigation.