§ 51. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the inquiry into the death of a girl worker recently employed at Grove Works, St. John s Hill, Battersea, manufacturers of a scouring powder; if he is aware that the inquest showed that death was due to industrial silicosis; and if he intends to add this industry to the list of dangerous trades?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe report I have received from the Senior Medical Inspector of Factories, who attended the inquest, shows that the inquiry has been adjourned pending a further examination of the lung, and that the. cause of death, therefore, has not yet been determined. I will consider the position further when the inquest is finished, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. THORNEWhat is the deciding factor, when people are working in dangerous trades, as to whether they shall be placed in that section of the Act?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI cannot direct any particular scheme to be scheduled until I am satisfied there is danger in the particular trade.
§ Mr. THORNEHas it to be a question of a death before the right hon. Gentleman takes any action?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, not quite, but it is obvious that I cannot decide that a whole trade is dangerous merely because of one death. There must be sufficient evidence to convince me that the trade itself is dangerous.
§ Mr. HARDIEHave the right hon. Gentleman's inspectors ever considered downward ventilation in order to prevent this fine dust getting to breathing level?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will bring that suggestion to the notice of the Department.
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the inspector visited this factory since this case?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman issue instructions to have his inspectors to visit the factory?