HC Deb 12 June 1902 vol 109 cc506-7
MR. TENNANT

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now state the steps which have been taken in redemption of his promise of the 13th of August, 1901, to secure protection for workpeople engaged in painting with inflammable paints.

MR. RITCHIE

As the hon. Member is well aware the Act of last session greatly extended the responsibility of the Factory Department in many directions: and of the new questions with which the Department has to deal none has presented greater difficulties or has received more attention than its extended duties with regard to docks and shipping. I hope soon to be in a position to issue a circular to dock and ship owners, and possibly to propose regulations in the interest of safety. When I do so, it is my intention, in accordance with my promise, to make recommendations with regard to the use of inflammable paints in ships. As the hon. Member is aware, I have no compulsory powers on the last point and can only make recommendations.