Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether workmen employed in the Clyde Fairfield Shipbuilding Yard are compelled to use caustic 902 soda with the naked hands for cleaning the galvanised fittings on Government vessels before the vessels are handed over by the contractors; if so, seeing that the soda has a disastrous effect on the workmen's hands, whether he can do anything to stop the practice, the object of which being simply to give a brighter polish to the galvanised fittings?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I should be glad if my hon. Friend would give me specific information on the point raised in his question, as I am informed that although caustic soda is used at the Clyde Fairfield Shipbuilding Yard for the purpose named, the firm provides appliances to enable the soda to be used under conditions involving no risk of damage to men's hands.