Mr. HARVEYasked the Secretary for State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the insanitary conditions at the works of British Dyes, Limited, Huddersfield; whether the prevalence of chemical eczema amongst the workers has been the subject of inquiry by the factory inspectors; whether the gloves provided for the labourers who have to handle chemicals are used indiscriminately by the men, so allowing contagion; and whether he can take any steps to deal with the danger arising from this?
§ Mr. BRACEI have had further inquiry made with regard to the conditions at these works. It appears from the reports received from the Factory Inspectors that the arrangements are not insanitary, but (owing largely to the rapid and continuous growth of the factory) they are of a provisional and somewhat primitive type, and will require to be replaced by a more modern system. Plans for this purpose have been submitted to and passed by the Corporation of Huddersfield, who are the authority responsible for the sanitary accommodation of the factories in the borough; but before the alterations can be carried out, it will be necessary, I understand, for the corporation to provide increased sewer facilities. As regards the cases of eczema or dermatitis, the incidence at these works, as I have previously stated, is not heavy, and the dermatitis is a passing trouble only, and is rarely followed76W by a second attack. The; usual precautionary measures are being taken, and certain improvements have been suggested to the management by the Medical Inspector of Factories, who went very thoroughly into the whole question at a recent visit. I am informed that every worker concerned is supplied with a pair of gloves for his exclusive use, and that any changing of gloves between the workers is forbidden.