WHITE LEAD IN PAINT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19205, 23 June 1924, Page 7

WHITE LEAD IN PAINT

BILL BOR ITS PROHIBITION. DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS. Press Association —By Telegraph—-Copyrijftt, LONDON, June 20. In the House of Commons Mr Rhys Davis (Under-Secretary for Home Affairs) moved the second reading of the Lead Paint Bill, which ratifies the resolution of the International, Labour Convention adopted at Geneva in November, 1921. The Bill prohibits the use of lead paint for interior painting after November, 19, 1927. The Minister, in moving the first reading of the Bill, said that both the master painters and the men favoured the Bill. Ho quoted statistics showing fatalities from lead poisoning. Mr E. A. Harney (Liberal) in moving the rejection of the Bill, declared that there was no substitute for lead paint. Mr E. C. Grenfell (Con.) in seconding the motion for rejection, alleged that M. Albert Thomas, director of the international labour bureau, was biased in favour of the zinc industry. He contended that the Bill would result in an increase in the cost of zinc, which would bo used instead of white lead. It would increase the cost of painting and throw white lead maters out of employment.— Reuter. SECOND READING CARRIED. LONDON, June 20. (Received June 22, at 5.5 p.m.) Mr Harney withdrew his rejection motion, and the Lead Paint Bill was read a second time.

Mr Henderson strongly deprecated Mr Grenfell’s attack on Mr Thomas. Me repudiated the suggestion of bias, and said that if Clause I of the Bill enacting the prohibition were deleted in committee ho would still proceed with the remainder of tho Bill providing for the regulation of tho use of white lead in paint.—A. anl N.Z. Cable.