BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1924, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

[ R IXTIU’.S Tl-a.I'.CIIAMS. j A BRITISH BILL. LONDON, Juno 20. In the House of Commons, Air Rhvs Davis moved the second reeding of tho Lead Paint Bill, which ratifies tho resolution of the International Labour Convention adopted at Geneva in November. 193!. The Bill prohibits tho use of lead paint for interior painting alter November 19. 1937. The mover said that both the master painters and the men favoured the Bill, lie quoted statistics showing the fatalities arising from load poisoning. .Mr Harney, in moving the rejection uf tho Bill, declared that there was no substitute for lead paint. Mr Grenfell, in seconding the rejo7vtion .alleged that Mr Thornes (Financo) the 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 be Used instead of white lead. It would increase the cost of painting, and would throw the white lead workers out of work.

Air Harney withdrew his rejection motion and the Lead Paint Bill was read the second time. Air Henderson strongly depreciated Mr Grenfells attack on Air Thomas. He repudiated the suggestion of bias and said that if Clause I of the Bill enacting tho prohibition were deleted in committee, he would still proceed with the remainder of the Bill, providing for the regulation of the use of white lead paint.