§ MR. COGHILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state the total number of deaths in 1903 from lead poisoning in the china and earthenware trade and in the trade of house painters and plumbers; and whether he proposes to institute any legislation this session with regard to the trade of house painters and plumbers.
§ * MR. AKERS-DOUGLASThe number of deaths from lead poisoning in the pottery trade in 1903 was three. The trade of house painters and plumbers 1496 does not come within the Factory Act and returns of deaths are not required to be made to the Home Office. It appears, however, from information supplied by the Registrars of Deaths, that there were in the same year in the whole of the United Kingdom thirty-nine cases in which the death of persons stated to be employed in this trade was attributed directly or indirectly to lend poisoning. I do not propose to introduce legislation this session with regard to this trade.
§ MR. COGHILLwas understood to ask why the right hon. Gentleman took no steps with regard to a trade well known to be more dangerous than other trades to which he was paying attention?
§ * MR. AKERS-DOUGLASsaid that when a trade regulated by statute was known to be dangerous it was the special duty of the Home Office to keey it closelp under observation.
§ MR. COGHILLproceeded to put another Question.
§ * MR. SPEAKERThe Question on the Paper has been answered.