§ 20. Mr. Howard Grittenasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the danger of consumption, silicosis, and other bronchial diseases caused to naval ratings by inhaling fine particles of oil-fuel soot or of rust when cleaning out boilers, he will at once provide them with masks when so employed?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)I am advised that masks are not necessary for this purpose, as the amount of dust particles inhaled by a rating during the infrequent operation of boiler cleaning does not have any pathological effect.
§ Mr. GrittenIs my right hon. Friend aware that ratings so employed are subject to continuous coughs, and that some are already tubercular?
§ Mr. AlexanderThe evidence which we have from our medical staff is that they have no experience of silicosis among such ratings, and in the case of tuberculosis the incidence is not higher than among other ratings.
§ Mr. GrittenWhy cannot they be provided with masks, as is done in the case of workers in similar civilian occupations?
§ Mr. AlexanderI am sure the medical staff would recommend it if necessary. I shall continue to watch the matter.