§ 85. Mr. OLIVERasked the Home Secretary whether he will state, in specific terms, what steps have been taken by his Department to reduce the high rate of sickness among the operatives at the British Celanese Company, Spondon, arising from the use of acetone in the manufacture of artificial silk?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe matter is a highly technical one, and is still under investigation. The works were visited last week by one of the medical inspectors, who reports that a number of the cases of sickness which recently occurred there were cases of influenza, and that the effects of the acetone on the workers have not been so serious as represented. Ho states, however, that the workers are being affected to some extent, and that some improvements are needed in the arrangements. One of the engineering inspectors will visit the works to-morrow and advise as to the alterations required. As soon as his report is received, steps will be taken without delay to secure the necessary improvements.