HC Deb 23 May 1939 vol 347 cc2110-1W
Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Home Secretary whether the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Dust in Cardrooms, dealing with the medical examination of cotton operatives, are being carried out?

Mr. Peake

No, Sir. The operatives objected to such examinations in the absence of some scheme for compensating men who would, as a result, be suspended as a precautionary measure from further employment in the cardrooms; and, in view of this, it was agreed that the committee's recommendations under this head should not be pursued.

Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the regulations at present in force for the elimination of dust in card-rooms are adequately complied with?

Mr. Peake

My right hon. Friend would be glad to see substantial improvements in the prevention of dust in cotton mills, but the question is to a large extent one of what is practicable. The matter has been extensively discussed with the industry from time to time and some progress has been made; but my right hon. Friend is not satisfied that more could not be done, and the Chief Inspector of Factories proposes to hold a conference on the subject at Manchester at an early date.

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