§ Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the fact that, at a recent inquest held in Southwark, it was proved that the death of a docker was found to be due to anthrax, contracted through dust rising from dry hides; are all 1174W the statutory precautions being taken at wharves where these hides are handled; and is he prepared to issue an order for the compulsory sterilisation of all hides, with a view to minimising in every possible way the danger of anthrax infection?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThere have been two recent cases in this area. The statutory precautions applicable are those contained in the Hides and Skins Regulations made under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, and the Chief Inspector of Factories informs me that these are in general well observed, and that neither of the cases referred to was due to any breach of the Regulations. I regret that it is not practicable to issue an Order as suggested, as there is at present no known effective method of sterilising hides which does not seriously damage them for commercial purposes.