Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked whether any women are employed in the sorting and mixing of East India wool; whether he is aware that these processes expose the sorters and mixers to the risk of inhaling dust which may contain the spores of anthrax; whether the special rules for the protection of such workers are applicable to factories and workshops, and whether they are generally observed; whether the Department has new special rules under consideration; and, if so, when they are expected to be issued?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs this question was only put on the Paper yesterday, no detailed inquiry has been possible, but I have ascertained that in two important districts, Huddersfield and Rochdale, the sorting, of which there is very little, and. the mixing of this wool is done by men. I understand that this is true also of the Bradford district. The regulations which 1075 apply to all factories in which East India wool is used have been in operation since the 1st January, 1909, and are, I am informed, well observed. I have recently received the reports of special inquiries made with regard to mixing and other processes in the manufacture of felt, and the Factory Department is in communication with the manufacturers regarding them, but I cannot yet say whether any further regulations will have to be made.