HC Deb 09 March 1936 vol 309 cc1801-2
72. Mr. CREECH JONES

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions of work at the Cotopa Mills, Guiseley; whether he is aware of the bad physical effects of such employment; whether he will ask the inspector of factories to give special attention to the processes carried on in this mill and consider scheduling the work under the list of dangerous trades; and in the meantime will he impose rigid rules to govern the period of actual work on the respective processes, insist on mechanical draught by fan being employed to remove fumes and gases and the provision of adequate washing facilities, and the taking of meals by the work-people in places other than in the mills?

Mr. LLOYD

It appears from a report by one of the medical inspectors of factories who has visited these mills that no serious trouble has arisen but that some of the employés have suffered from sore eyes due to fumes. It would seem that this can be prevented by improved ventilation in the process room, together with more care on the part of some of the men to wear the goggles provided for them, and methods of improving the ventilation are to be discussed with an inspector. A canteen with messroom and washing accommodation is being built. There appears to be no case on grounds of health for restricting the hours of work or for prohibiting the taking of meals on the premises, but the works will continue to receive special attention.