§ 63. Mr. KELLYasked the Home Secretary whether he will investigate the health conditions of the workpeople employed at the artificial silk factories of the British Visada Company and the Bulmer-Rayon Company, in view of the fact that certain workers have been blinded temporarily and have had to be led home?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe conditions at both these factories have been carefully investigated and found to be generally satisfactory. A number of cases of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes) mostly of a very slight character, have occurred among the workers and considerable difficulty is being experienced in eliminating this trouble, but I am assured that in both cases the managements have shown themselves willing and anxious to take every necessary step and that the conditions have been much improved.
§ Mr. KELLYIs the right hon. Gentleman following up these reports very closely, and is he aware that there are instances of men having been temporarily blinded on six or seven occasions, and having to be led home from their work because of the loss of sight due to the method of production at these works?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSLet me read to the hon. Member a sentence from the last report, dated the 1st of the month, from my district inspector:
Great improvements have been made in the ventilation of the Viscose spinning room and cases of conjunctivitis are becoming less frequent and less severe.I can assure the hon. Member that constant inspection is taking place to find out this disease and to deal with it and get rid of it if we can.
§ Mr. KELLYI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that answer, but my reports are as recent as the 5th of this month.