§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the two cases of lead poisoning at Pilkington's Tile Works, Manchester, recently the subject of inquiry, stood alone; and whether he will cause investigation to be made as to the amount of raw lead used in the glazes at Pilkington's?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLBesides the two cases referred to in the question, only one of which, however, was found by the medical referee to be a case of lead poisoning, communications have been received calling attention to the cases of two other workers at these works. Both cases have been investigated, and in neither have any grounds been found for regarding them as cases of lead poisoning. With the exception of a case in 1903 of a man who, after a short period of employment at these works, died as a result of disease set up by long-contiuued work in lead processes in other works, there had been no cases at these works since 1899; and the arrangements at the works are exceptionally good. I see no ground for issuing any special instructions to the Factory Department in the matter.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDCan the right hon. Gentleman give any reason whatever why this attack is being made on a factory that has the best health register of any factory in the country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERHow can the right hon. Gentleman answer that question?