§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there has been reported to the Home Office an extraordinary incidence of lead-poisoning at the Woodland Pottery, Tunstall; whether a portion of Rule 2 in the amended special rules, established by the award of Lord James of Hereford, declares that if any factory to which the 964 rule applies shall, by reason of the occurrence of cases of lead-poisoning, appear to the Secretary of State to be in an unsatisfactory condition he may prohibit the use of lead; whether this rule has been put in force; and whether he will consider the propriety of applying it to such cases.
§ MR. GLADSTONEYes, Sir, eleven cases of lead-poisoning at these works (three of which, however, are doubtful) have been reported to the Factory Department, during the current year, as compared with three in 1907, none in 1906, two in 1905, nine in 1904, and one in 1903. Proceedings were taken in April last against the firm, and application made under Section 18 for an order prohibiting the works being used until the necessary alterations had been made. On the firm giving an undertaking to remedy the defective arrangements for drying and ware-cleaning, to which the heavy incidence of poisoning is attributed, the stipendiary, with the concurrence of the medical inspector and lady inspector in charge of the case, adjourned the hearing. The alterations, which are a difficult matter and will cost, I understand, some £5,000, are now being carried out, and are to be completed by 23rd August. As regards the second part of the Question, there is such a power as mentioned in the special rules; it is a power which is intended only for very exceptional cases and has not hitherto been used. In view of the action of the stipendiary, I do not think I could properly direct action to be taken under this special power at present; but the works will be kept under observation and if the heavy incidence of poisoning continues, I shall consider what further action, whether under the rule or otherwise, is required.