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37
inspector attended the inquest and visited the works; he reported
that in other respects, i.e., not notifying the case, the special rules
have been observed; further, no other cases of phosphorus poisoning
have been reported since the Act of 1895. I do not therefore think
that I should be justified in the unconditional prohibition of the use
of yellow phosphorus' But on May 12th the Home Secretary stated
that he had decided to take proceedings against the firm (I believe
police-court summonses have been applied for), and that he thought
it desirable to have an enquiry. I have visited the works in question
and have enquired thoroughly into the case, and am of opinion that
unless the use of yellow phosphorus is prohibited these unfortunate
cases will occur. The Committee directed that the view expressed by
the Medical Officer be communicated to the Home Secretary."
The matter of the condition of Messrs. Bryant and May's factory
has engaged my constant attention, and my report for December 22nd
contained the following:
" I have enquired into the question of match-making as carried on
in Bow, and in addition to the information gained at the
MATCH- three works in that parish, I have, through the liberal-
MAKING.
mindedness of R. Bell and Co., Bromley-by-Bow, in permitting
me to go over their works, obtained quite a store of
information, which has been most useful for the purposes of
comparison. The three works in Bow are: Bryant and May,
Palmer and Co., The Salvation Army.
" To take the last first, the Salvation Army Works are but small,
employing between 80 and 90 hands, have been established in
Lamprell Street about six years, do not use yellow phosphorus, and
have never had a case of phosphorus necrosis. Their sanitary
arrangements are to my satisfaction.
" Palmer and Co., Palace Works, Old Ford, is also small, established
about 30 years, about 50 hands, male and female, employed. Their