§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the report of the Battersea coroner on the resumed inquest on two girls who died in hospital following 1398W illness they had contracted whilst employed at a scouring-powder works at Battersea; that the medical evidence showed that the cause of death was industrial silicosis and not tuberculosis, as at first diagnosed; that three girls and a boy employed at the same works have died since 25th January, 1927; and if he will take any action in the matter in consequence of the dangerous nature of the work in handling the powder?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. A full report has been submitted to me by the medical inspectors of factories who attended the inquest and investigated the circumstances. In the opinion of the medical inspectors these cases originated when the mixing and filling of the powder were done by hand. At the beginning of 1927, on the instructions of the district inspector of factories, mechanical methods of working were introduced. The plant since that date has been totally enclosed and exhaust ventilation applied to all points where dust is liable to escape. I am advised that the present arrangements should prove effective, but they will continue to receive close attention.