§ Sir H. Lucas-Toothasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the accident involving the collapse of a crane near Brent Cross, Hendon, on 20th June 1964, what steps he is taking to prevent similar occurrences in the immediate future.
§ Mr. WhitelawIn the first place I would remind my hon. Friend that as I said yesterday in my reply to him, my right hon. Friend has directed an inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the accident. Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, all users of mobile cranes in which a "gate" section is specially inserted in the jib in order to provide a hinge, by means of which the jib can be folded, are being advised to operate these cranes at not more than 75 per cent. of the safe working loads as specified in the current Certificate of Test and Examination. This advice is being disseminated through the manufacturers and the appropriate employers and insurance organisations.