§ 50. Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the date of the last visit of one of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectors to the Associated Lead Works on the Isle of Dogs; and what were the contents of his report thereon.
§ Mr. BryanWednesday, 12th January of this year. The Inspector gave preliminary advice on how to minimise the escape of lead outside the works. It has never been customary to disclose details of reports of Inspectors' visits to factories, but I can assume the hon. Member that the firm is co-operating, as it has done in the past, and taking appropriate action.
This factory has been periodically visited by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate for many years. In 1970, 223W detailed measurements were taken of lead in the atmosphere inside the factory. They were generally satisfactory, but certain recommendations were made. Follow-up visits were later paid to check and discuss the action taken by the firm. All of these visits were, however, part of the normal procedure of the Inspectorate taken to enforce the Factories Act, and the regulations to safeguard the health of workers at the factory. Since December, however, a number of visits have been paid to the firm in connection with the possible escape of lead from the premises, for example on workers' clothing, which might have caused the above normal levels of lead then found in children living near the premises, particularly children whose fathers worked in the factory. In co-operation with the Alkali Inspectorate, the Medical Officer of Health and others concerned Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate are continuing investigations.