HC Deb 16 August 1916 vol 85 cc1861-2
72. Mr. KING

asked whether the works of British Dyes, Limited, Huddersfield, are inspected by factory inspectors; whether inquiry has been made concerning accidents and ailments due to the conditions there; whether eczema is common in certain departments to such an extent that some workers cannot sleep at nights and are frequently invalided; and whether conscientious objectors sent to these works are now engaged in production of picric acid, a high explosive, the work in connection with which is of special unhealthiness?

Mr. SAMUEL

During the current year twelve visits of inspection have been made to the works in question by the factory inspectors, and inquiry has been made from time to time in regard to accidents and occupational ailments. Eczema is liable to occur among workers engaged in the manufacture and handling of high explosives, but the cases at these works have not been very numerous, and have only caused disablement in a compara- tively few instances. I am informed that none of the conscientious objectors employed at these works are engaged in the manufacture of picric acid and other high explosives, and no complaints on this subject have been received by the Committee on Work of National Importance.

Forward to