HC Deb 05 November 1929 vol 231 cc870-1W
Mr. WATSON

asked the Home Secretary what precautions, if any, are taken by the Alloa Shipbreaking Company at Rosyth to safeguard the health of the workers engaged on burning against the dangers of lead poisoning?

Mr. CLYNES

It appears from a report by one of the medical inspectors of factories who recently visited these works that this company devote great care to the prevention of lead poisoning. A doctor has been appointed to give medical supervision, and arrangements are made to transfer to other work burners who show signs of contracting, or being specially liable to, the disease. Steps are also taken to see that so far as possible men do not work in such a position as to be exposed to fumes from another burner. I am advised that there must necessarily be some risk of lead poisoning in this process, but the firm appear to be doing their best to reduce it to a minimum, and I am glad to say that the incidence of lead poisoning at the works has considerably decreased.