HC Deb 01 July 1898 vol 60 cc784-5
MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that 13 women are employed in an unhealthy and insanitary loft situated over an iron foundry in Deptford Victualling Yard, and that this workroom has not been whitewashed or disinfected during the past 15 years; and whether he will cause an official inspection to be made, and lay the Report of same upon the Table at an early date?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir M. W. RIDLEY, Lanes,) Blackpool

The honourable Member is not quite correctly informed. Six women only are employed, though the cubic space is sufficient for 48; the room is neither unhealthy nor insanitary, and there is no foundry underneath. It is the case, however, that unpleasant fumes from the adjoining foundry find their way, when the foundry is used, through the windows; and steps will be taken to remove the women as soon as possible to a more suitable place. In the meantime they will not be employed in the room when the foundry is used.

MR. STEADMAN

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that since my Question appeared on the Paper a Government inspector of factories has visited the yard, that the women have already been removed, and that the room is now being whitewashed and done up?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

Yes, I am aware of the fact. I have information from the inspector of factories that the place is being whitewashed, and I hope everything will be satisfactory.