HC Deb 26 June 1922 vol 155 cc1670-2
103. Mr. SITCH

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the serious increase in the number of cases of lead poisoning in the potteries since 1918, and particularly in 1921, he will state what further steps are being taken by the Home Office to meet the situation; and whether, in view of the high proportion of fatal cases during 1921, as compared with 1914, he will state, as regards the fatal cases for 1914 and 1921, the age and sex of the workers, the number of years each had been employed in lead processes, and the particular process in which each worker had been employed?

Mr. SHORTT

The figures for the three years 1919 to 1921 show an increase on the figures for the two years 1917 and 1918, but in those two years the industry was on a War footing and conditions were abnormal. The average for the last three years is practically the same as for the years 1914 to 1916, and much lower than the average for the three years preceding the War. As the hon. Member will be aware, after an exhaustive inquiry by a Departmental Committee, a new code of Regulations for the industry was brought into operation in 1913, and since then there has been a great reduction in the number of cases. I see no reason at present to reconsider the Regulations, but

FATAL CASES IN 1914.
No. Sex. Age. Employment in Lead Processes. Precise Occupation. Remarks.
1 M. 34 8 years Gloat placer … —
2 M. 42 26years Glost placer … Reported to be suffering from lead poisoning in 1910 and has not worked since.
3 M. 58 36 years Ground layer … Reported to be suffering from lead poisoning in 1912 and has not worked in a lead process since.
4 M. 50 36 years Dipper … —
5 M. 47 1 years Glost placer … —
10 years Other lead work … —
6 F. 23 4 years Tile cleaner … Reported to be suffering from lead poisoning in 1910 and has not been employed since.
FATAL CASES IN 1921.
1 M. 52 24 years. Potter's Carter —
2 M. 55 24 years. Foreman Dipper —
3 M. 64 56 years. Glost placer Worked last 2½ years as glost fireman.
4 M. 65 40 years. Glost placer Ceased glost placing in 1911 since when he has not worked in lead processes.
5 M. 59 36 years Dipper —
6 M. 39 14 years Glost dipper —
10 years. Dipper's Assistant —
7 M. 51 9 years Glost placer —
27 years Lead work elsewhere —
8 M. 47 6 months Weighing and charging glaze. Reported to be suffering from lead poisoning in 1913 and since then has worked as an Ironmoulder's lahourer—previous history unknown.
9 M. 50 30 years Glost placer Reported to be suffering from lead poisoning in 1919 and has not worked since.
10 F. 46 4½ years Glost placer —
21 years Majolica Paintress —
11 F. 27 2½ Taker off to dipper Death was due to chronic nephritis—whether caused industrially or not, is not quite certain.

the situation will be carefully watched. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the particulars of fatal cases asked for in the latter part of the question, but I would point out that the proportion of fatal cases in any one year is no index to the conditions existing in that year. In most fatal cases the disease has been contracted a long time previously.

The following are the particulars referred to: