§ Sir V. HENDERSONasked the Home Secretary whether there has been an in- 1839W crease or a decrease in the number of cases of dermatitis, in the last three years for which compensation has been paid; and whether any steps are taken by his Department to encourage the wearing of gloves or mittens in appropriate cases?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThe Workmen's Compensation Statistics for 1928, 1929, and 1930 (which is the last year for which figures are available) show an increase in the number of cases. There were 1,170 cases in 1928, 1,405 in 1929, and 1,499 in 1930. Various steps have been taken by the Department to enforce or encourage the wearing of gloves as a precaution against dermatitis. For example, gloves are required, for persons employed in various processes under the Chemical Works Regulations of 1922, and the Chromium Plating Regulations of 1931, and under the Welfare Order of 1918 for use of hi-chromate potassium or sodium in dyeing, the Hollow-ware and Galvanising Welfare Order of 1921, and the Tanning Welfare Order of 1930. Further, a general leaflet providing information as to the causes of dermatitis and recommending precautions, including the use of gloves, has been prepared and widely distributed among occupiers of works likely to be affected, and, with a view to securing the co-operation of the workers, a form of cautionary notice which can be exhibited in the workrooms has been issued and put on sale through the Stationery Office. Reference is also made to the value of gloves in certain special memoranda dealing with the prevention of dermatitis in particular processes, Finally, I may draw attention to the collection of different kinds of gloves suitable for the purpose which is on exhibition in the special Dermatitis Section at the Home Office Industrial Museum in Horseferry Road, Westminster.