HC Deb 02 December 1937 vol 329 cc2270-1W
Mr. Hollins

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give information as to the number of His Majesty's inspectors of factories who are on the staff at the offices situated in Stoke-on-Trent; the area and the total number of factories and workshops coming under their supervision; the number of factories engaged in the manufacture of earthenware and china, including sanitary fireclay and Rockingham and jet; and the number of mills engaged in the milling of potters' materials which are operating in Stoke-on-Trent and included in the total?

Mr. Lloyd

Four inspectors are attached to the Stoke-on-Trent District which comprises roughly North Staffordshire. I understand that there are in this area 2,229 registered factories and workshops and 67 other premises subject to inspection, and that the number of factories engaged in the various sections of the Pottery Industry is 322 and the number of potters' mills 47, of which 35 are operating in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mr. Hollins

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the alarming incidence of silicosis in the pottery industry resulting in the average of over 50 deaths per year for the past several years, in addition to a large number of certified total or partial incapacity cases; and whether he will consider making such addition to the staff of His Majesty's inspectors in Stoke-on-Trent as will make it possible for the adequate inspection of factories and mills engaged in the pottery industry, with a view to the more rigid enforcement of the Factories Act and special regulations, and the reduction of the high incidence of silicosis?

Mr. Lloyd

My right hon. Friend is aware of the figures, but silicosis develops slowly and the deaths now occurring in the potteries appear to be largely due to conditions which prevailed many years ago. Moreover the number of cases of disablement has substantially declined. My right hon. Friend is advised that the standard of compliance with the new Regulations of 1932 has greatly improved, and that the use of harmless materials is developing. The Factory Department is, however, fully alive to the importance of further efforts to reduce the risk of this terrible disease, and my right hon. Friend will ask the Chief Inspector to bear the point in mind in the distribution of the staff.