§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the increase of fatal accidents to workmen employed upon the new dock works at Rosyth; whether his Department was represented at the inquests which were recently held upon the last three men killed; and, if so, what was the nature of the reports he received relating to the causes and circumstances of the same?
Mr. LAMBERTThe increase in the number of accidents is due to the large number of workmen employed, and maximum traffic on railway lines. The Admiralty were represented at the inquiries. Two of the accidents occurred on the railway. The third was a blasting accident, and the evidence showed that the man had disobeyed instructions. A formal verdict was returned in each case, no reflections being made on the Admiralty or contractor.