§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the explosion which occurred at the Stowmarket Explosive Works on Monday, 10th May; if he is aware that Chief Inspector Major Aston Cooper Key recommended that small metal studs should be placed in the india-rubber shoes of the workers so that they would always be in electrical contact with the earth; if he is aware that if such metal studs had been worn the accident would not have occurred; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir, my attention was called to this explosion, and, in pursuance of the Explosives Act, I directed the chief inspector of explosives, to whom reference is made in the question, to make an inquiry into it. The chief inspector has not yet submitted his report, but I understand he will discuss in it the suggestion as to the use of metal studs which he made at the inquest, and when I receive it I will consider very carefully what action it may be desirable to take.