asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a sand-blast machine is being used for ship scaling in the Langton Graving Dock, Liverpool, and that the machine creates a cloud of dust and lead paint injurious to the health of the workers in the immediate vicinity; and will he have inquiries made with a view to obviating this complaint?

Yes, Sir. I am advised that this is a new process which has so far been tried only at intervals and to a limited extent, and that the firm have adopted certain precautions the efficacy and development of which are under consideration in consultation with the factory department. The matter will be actively followed up.