HC Deb 11 June 1912 vol 39 cc829-30W
Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any fresh action has been taken to put into force the proposed rules for the regulation of work in potteries in respect of lead and dust; and whether he is aware that nearly two years have elapsed since the Report of the Departmental Committee was issued?

Mr. McKENNA

As I informed my hon. Friend in my reply to his previous question on this subject on 30th April, I had arranged for the objections which had been received to the proposed rules to be discussed in conference between the chairman of the Departmental Committee and the objectors, with a view, if possible, to arriving at a settlement without the holding of a formal inquiry. Conferences for this purpose are now proceeding. I am aware that two years have elapsed since the Committee presented its Report, and I have already explained in my previous reply to my hon. Friend, and also in a reply to the hon. Member for Durham on 8th December last, why it has not been possible to bring the proposed rules into operation more speedily.