§ Mr. KELLYasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of companies in Great Britain engaged in the artificial silk industry?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSI am informed that last month 18 firms were producing artificial silk yarn in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In addition to these a large number of firms, of course, make use of artificial silk yarns, often in conjunction with other textile materials.
§ Mr. KELLYasked the Home Secretary whether Reports have recently been re- 1729W ceived from factory inspectors as to the health conditions in artificial silk factories in Lancashire and Peterborough?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAll the factories in question have been reported upon during the present year and several of them, including the works at Littleborough and Peterborough, were visited quite recently. The Reports show that the health conditions generally are satisfactory except in the case of the Littleborough works, where there was a recent outbreak of eye trouble. This was due to a breakdown of the ventilating fans, which has since been remedied, but the chief inspector is by no means satisfied with the ventilation and other conditions at this mill. The question of the action to be taken with regard to this firm is receiving serious consideration.