§ Sir WILLIAM COLLINSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to take any action with a view to restrict or prevent the use of substances for shampooing the 280 hair which by reason of their poisonous or inflammable qualities are liable to cause serious injury or fatal results?
Dr. RUTHERFORDasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the recent further deaths which have taken place in the Metropolis from the use of inflammable hair washes, he can hold out any hope of the introduction of legislation next Session for the purpose of prohibiting the use of such preparations?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThe matter is receiving my serious attention, and the question whether legislation ought to be undertaken will be fully considered. In the meantime, I may point out that, as intimated by counsel in the recent proceedings at Westminster Police Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions would certainly prosecute for manslaughter if tetrachloride should again be used and a fatal result ensue. The inquest in the recent case of two deaths arising from the use of petrol is not yet concluded; but when the inquest is completed, the question of prosecution will be considered by the Director of Public Prosecutions.