Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that several explosions took place on 28th June, 1921, on the site of the National Filling Factory, Meiklewood Road, Cardonald; that five people were seriously injured, including a police sergeant, who had the thumb and forefinger of his right hand blown off, and a civilian who had his eyesight permanently injured; and that a close investigation was promised on 19th July, 1921, the results of which were to be communicated to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean), whether, seeing that it has been admitted that no formal inquiry has been held, but only preliminary investigations, he can state if, at this preliminary investigation, the Govan Police were asked to submit a Report or whether any of the injured were invited to give evidence; if not, on what evidence a decision was arrived at; and whether, in view of the fact that several people were seriously injured owing to the carelessness of the responsible authorities, he will now consider the question of compensation to the injured?
Mr. YOUNGI have been asked to answer this question. I understand that certain inquiries were conducted by the police at the instance of His Majesty's Inspector of Explosives, but I have no knowledge as to whether any statements were taken from any of the injured persons. While I must adhere to the opinion as to the legal liabilities involved, expressed in my answer to the hon. Member's question on the 9th February, I am prepared, on receipt of full particulars of the cases referred to by the hon. Member, to consider whether anex gratia payment can be made in these cases in which no compensation has been received from any other source.