§ 17. Mr. STAMFORDasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the medical evidence submitted at the inquest in Leeds on Mrs. Lily Hemsley, who, up to four years ago, was employed at the asbestos factory of Messrs. Roberts, of Armley, and who died of fibrosis of the lungs, this being the fourth case of its kind; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the conditions under which this work is performed with a view to the adoption of more effective safeguards against infection?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. I have seen a report by the medical inspector who attended the inquest. It appears from the medical evidence that the deceased died from fibrosis of the lungs due to the effects of asbestos dust. As I stated in reply to a question by the 2165 hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thorne) on the 4th instant, the effects of this dust are already the subject of a comprehensive inquiry by the medical inspectors, one of the main objects of which is to determine the precautions necessary for the prevention of the disease.