asked the Home Secretary the number of deaths from asbestosis; whether he has any statistics that show how long is the period between contracting the disease and death: if he is satisfied that every precaution is taken to keep this disease in check; and whether he will take steps to have the regulations enforced in all parts of the factories, including the warehouses?

About 60 deaths have been brought to the notice of the Department and after investigation are all attributed by the Senior Medical Inspector of Factories to exposure incurred previous to the Asbestos Industry Regulations of 1931 which require elaborate precautions. The disease usually takes years to develop and the period between commencement and death varies very widely. Special inquiry in 1932 as to the risks in warehouse and certain other processes revealed no need for any extension of the regulations, but their effectiveness will continue to be closely watched.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in one or two cases men and women working in warehouses have been neglected and have died in consequence? Will he not consider making the regulations effective as far as workers in warehouses are concerned?

I cannot say more at the moment; but this problem is being closely watched.