§ 42. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH - BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many master painters have caused waterproof sandpaper to he employed in rubbing down how many are still using it; and whether he has any information as to their views on its practical value as a substitute for dry rubbing down in the painting of houses, interior and exterior?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)I regret I am unable to furnish the precise information asked 243 for in the first part of this question, but the inquiries my right hon. Friend has made indicate that the new process has not been adopted yet to any great extent. As regards the last part, I would draw the attention of the Noble Lord to the letter which appeared in the "Times" on the 10th instant from the secretary of the Painting Trade Materials Committee of Great Britain and Ireland, in which he states that a considerable number of painting trade firms have found the new process both satisfactory as a preventive of lead dust and economical in cost. I understand that this has been the general experience of firms carrying out painting work for the Office of Works which, as the Noble Lord will be aware, prohibits the use of dry rubbing down in all its painting specifications.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKHave not the Home Office fairly complete information on this question, and why do they refuse to let it be known to Members—to lay it on the Table of the House, so that Members have access to it?
§ Captain HACKINGAs I explained on the Second Reading of the Lead Poisoning Bill, this is largely an experiment, but. a great deal of useful work has already been done; as far as the Office of Works is concerned, it has been useful experience, and in all probability the new process will be of great benefit to the working people of the country.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERWill the hon. and gallant Member furnish the House with a White Paper giving the particulars?
§ Captain HACKINGI will consider that.