WHITE LEAD POISONING

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1074, 11 September 1930, Page 7

WHITE LEAD POISONING

BILL TO PROTECT PAINTERS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE Press Association WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The Painters* and Decorators’ Health Protection Bill was considered by the House of Representatives today. In moving the second reading, Mr. W\ .1. Jordan (Labour —Manukau) said the principal intention of the Bill was to protect workers against the dangers attached to the use of white lead. He contended that white zinc could be used economically instead of white lead, urged that New Zealand should fo.iow the example of other countries in safeguarding workers against diseases caused by the use of lead paints. Mr. G. C. Munns (Government—Koskill) agreed with Mr. Jordan’s remarks, but considered that some time should be given to enable the replacement of white lead to be effected without causing disorganisation in the painting industry. The Minister of Railways, the Hon. W. A. Veitcli, said he thought it would be acknowledged that proposals were such as would commend themselves to the sympathetic consideration of Parliament. The question was how far it was reasonable to interfere with the ordinary business of painting in order to protect the health of workers. He believed very great improvements in health could be effected if a nonpoisonous process of paint manufacture were perfected, and he saw no reason why such an end should not be attained. The Minister of Labour, the Hon. S. G. Smith, suggested the measure should be referred to the Labour Bills Committee. Mr. Jordan agreed t*i this suggestion, and also intimated that he would be agreeable to postponing the operation of the clause prohibiting the use of lead for two and a-lialf years. The Bill was .read a second time arid referred to the committee.