HC Deb 17 January 1913 vol 46 cc2421-2W
Mr. GILL

asked the Home Secretary how many mills in Lancashire are fitted with automatic locking covers over the cylinders of carding engines; how many are not so fitted; and if he can state the number of accidents to persons in employment caused by cylinders in the years 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912, respectively?

Mr. McKENNA

Automatic locking covers have been fitted on the cylinders of carding engines in 797 Lancashire mills. The carding machines in sixty mills were not so fitted at the date of last inspection, but it is probable that in many of these the work is now completed. The following are the accidents caused by carding engine cylinders in the North Western Division during the last six years:—

1907 48
1908 45
1909 40
1910 23
1911 17
1912 19

Mr. GILL

asked the Home Secretary the number of cotton mills in Lancashire which have been completely fitted with the apparatus for taking away dust from the breathing level of workers employed on carding engines; and the number in the districts of Oldham, Rochdale. Ashton- under-Lyne, Stalybridge, Blackburn, and Bolton, separately, which are not so fitted?

Mr. McKENNA

Dust extractors have been fitted to the carding engines in 718 Lancashire mills. In the towns named the number of mills not so fitted is as follows:—

Oldham 38
Rochdale 3
Ashton-under-Lyne 13
Stalybridge 2
Blackburn 2
Bolton 20

These are the figures for the dates of last inspection. It is probable that in some the work has since been completed. During the past year legal proceedings were instituted against seven firms for failing to provide dust extractors.