§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
LORD KENYONMy Lords, the object of this Bill is to amend the Alkali, Etc., Works Regulation Act, 1881, and to control the escape of certain acid gases of sulphur or of sulphur and nitrogen. Under the Act of 1881 the inspectors are allowed to test the gases when they get into the chimney or in the air, but many manufacturers allow the gases to 1281 escape through a flue, in which they mingle with other gases. This renders the work of the inspectors exceedingly difficult. The point of this Bill is to show clearly what the inspectors have to determine with regard to the amount of acid gases which escapes after the process. It makes no alteration with regard to the limits of the escape of muriatic acid gas. The Bill carries into effect the suggestion of the Royal Commission which sat in 1878, and elucidates certain matters which are at present somewhat complicated.
§ Bill read 2a (according to order), and committed to a Committee of the whole House on Monday next.