MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in the match factories of Messrs. Patterson and Company, and the other safety match factories of Ireland, there has not been a single case of phosphorus poisoning; and whether, with the view of procuring the best information to enable him to devise means to prevent phosphorus poisoning in Messrs. Bryant and May's, he will call for a Report from factories in Ireland, as was done in regard to French factories, as to the excellent way in which Irish match factories are conducted, without danger to the health of the employees, and invite suggestions from Mr. W. J. Neely on the best way of preventing phosphorus poisoning in English match factories?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENTSo far as I am aware, there has been no phosphorus poisoning in the manufacture of safety matches in Ireland or anywhere else, as the dangerous kinds of phosphorus are not used. Cases of necrosis have, however, occurred at the works of the firm mentioned. The gentleman referred to in the second paragraph of the Question, 854 who is the junior inspector attached to the Dublin district, has already reported specially on the match factories in that district.