§ 18. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Home Secretary (1) whether there has been a considerable increase in the number of cases of poisoning and of anthrax and toxic jaundice reported to him under the Factory and Workshop Act for the six months ending June, 1916, as compared with the same period of the previous year; whether the number of deaths was thirty as compared with eighteen of the same six months of 1915; whether he can state to what this increase is due and how far it is attributable to relaxed factory inspection; what action, if any, he proposes to take; and (2) whether the number of anthrax cases has increased from twenty-nine in the six months ending June, 1915 to fifty-three in the six months ending June, 1916; and what steps are being taken in this matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Brace)The figures for lead poisoning for the periods in question show a slight decrease, but there has, unfortunately, been a considerable increase in cases of anthrax. There has been no slackening of inspection for the purpose of enforcing the Regulations, and the increase can only, I am advised, be accounted for by the fact that, owing to the heavy demand, manufacturers have been forced to use all kinds of material. The problem of prevention is being thoroughly investigated by the 471 Departmental Committee appointed for the purpose, and there is good reason to hope that they will be able to put forward effective proposals. The notification of toxic jaundice—that is, jaundice due to tetrachlorethane, or certain other poisonous substances used in explosive works— was made compulsory for the first time this year, and this is the chief reason for the apparent increase in reported cases of poisoning. The number of persons employed in the factories concerned has also been constantly increasing. These factories have been subject to frequent inspection, and much has been done by improved mechanical ventilation, medical examination of the workers, and other precautions, to minimise the danger. As regards poisoning from dopes containing tetrachlorethane, this danger should very shortly be eliminated altogether by the substitution of the non-poisonous dopes now being brought into use.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSCan the hon. Gentleman state any specific time when the Bill regarding poisoning will be brought in, and is it not the fact that jaundice has increased most largely in the factories where they use dope for varnishing aeroplanes?
§ Mr. BRACEI believe that is so, but if the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper I will endeavour to get him full information.