§ Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a crane which crashed on Saturday morning, 23rd February, and overhung in Burleigh Street, Strand, injuring one person; and whether cranes or machinery erected in the public streets of London are tested by any of the officers of either his Department or the Metropolitan Police authorities?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have received a report which shows that this crane was erected on a building in course of construction adjoining a public street, and that the building regulations in force under the Factory Act applied. Machinery of this kind is not tested by the police or any officers of my Department, but under the regulations it is the duty of the building contractor, so far as practicable, to have it examined in position at least once in every week by a competent person. The question of strengthening the regulations both in this and other respects has been under discussion with the makers of cranes and the building employers and operatives, and I am glad to state that an agreement has now been reached which should secure a higher standard of safety. Amending regulations to give effect to this agreement will be proceeded with as soon as practicable.
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