§ 87. Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Labour what percentage of employees of the cotton textile industry are now classified as being provided with the maximum possible protection against the incidence of spinners cancer, both by the provision of suitable overalls and the use of appropriate oils; and what further legislative provisions he has in mind as being necessary.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe information asked for in the first part of this Question is not available. But on Friday last, my right hon. and learned Friend published a draft of special regulations, to be made under the Factories Acts, with a view to prohibiting the use of cancer-producing oils for lubricating self-acting mule spindles in the cotton industry and to 23W providing for the periodical medical examination of persons employed in the spinning.
§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Labour the number of cases of spinners cancer reported in the textile industry for each of the last three years to the nearest most convenient date.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe numbers for the years 1950, 1951 and 1952 were 21. 13 and 24 respectively.