§ MR. JOWETT (Bradford, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, during the first nine months of the present year, 483 cases of poisoning have occurred among workers in various industries; and whether he can promise early legislation with a view to dealing more effectively with the industries in which the cases occur.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.Yes, I am
‡ See (4) Debates clxiv, 1492.611 aware of these statistics of poisoning cases for the current year which are compiled by my Department. The Home Office has very full powers under the Factory Act of dealing with dangerous trades, in particular by the issue of regulations under Part IV. of the Act. That its action has been attended by a considerable measure of success is, I think, shown by the fact that the number of cases of poisoning has fallen from 1,331 in 1899 to 663 in 1905, a reduction of 50 per cent. in six years. Earlier in the session I laid on the Table of the House a memorandum showing the action taken by the Home Office with regard to dangerous trades, to which I would refer the hon. Member. Further codes of regulations are in preparation, among which I may mention a code for the horse-hair industries in connection with anthrax, and the revision of the existing codes for paints and colours and the enamelling of metals, which have been found to be inadequate. I may also mention that I am inquiring into the use of poisonous woods in certain manufactures. I do not think I can usefully propose further legislation on the subject at the present time, but, as the hon. Member is aware, the Government are taking an important step, and one which I anticipate will have beneficial results, in bringing industrial poisoning within the scope of the Workmen's Compensation Bill.