§ Captain Pluggeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the electrocution of three boys at Borstal, he can make any statement on the steps taken to avoid any similar occurrence in future.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am sure that the House would wish to join with me in expressing the deepest sympathy with the relatives of the victims of this tragic accident. The coroner's inquest returned a verdict of death by misadventure, and in view of the possibility of legal claims, it would not be proper for me at this time to express any opinion as to the causes of or the responsibility for the accident. With regard to the future, I do not consider that the existing prison Standing Orders for the inspection and safety of machinery are inadequate, but it is, of course, essential that everything humanly possible should be done to prevent accidents of this kind, and I am considering with the Prison Commissioners what additional precautions can be taken.