HC Deb 07 November 1911 vol 30 cc1578-9

This part of this Act shall apply to persons employed by or under the Crown, other than those with respect to whom special provision is made by this Part of this Act, in like manner as if the employer were a private person:

Provided that in the case of a person employed in the private service of the Crown, the head of the department of the Royal Household in which he is employed shall be deemed to be his employer.

10.0 P.M.

Mr. FORSTER

I wish to ask the Government if they bear in mind a promise made to the hon. Member for Enfield (Mr. Newman) when we were discussing the Clause in August, that regulations should be made under this Clause for regulating the advantages which persons at the Small Arms Factory, and other persons in Government employ in places of that kind, should enjoy in connection with the medical associations and organisations which obtain at the present time. My hon. Friend was concerned to see that these organisations should be maintained, if it were the wish of the employés in the factories and works that that should be done. The Government—it was the present Home Secretary—promised that the matter should be considered, and that, when we came to Clause 37, regulations would be suggested, or something of the kind, dealing with this point.

Dr. MACNAMARA

Will you state the point?

Mr. FORSTER

The hon. Member for Enfield raised the question of medical associations which were taken advantage of by persons in the Government employ in places like the Small Arms Factory and factories of a similar character. The then First Lord of the Admiralty said the Government were alive to the point and that regulations would be brought up when we came to Clause 37. I only want to know whether the Government have kept the matter in mind, and whether they have prepared to make any statement or whether we must wait till some later stage.

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am very sorry, but this matter has not been brought to my attention.

Mr. FORSTER

Perhaps the hon. Member will represent what I have said to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Dr. MACNAMARA

Yes.

Mr. TENNANT

It is evidently a matter affecting the Small Arms Factory and that kind of factory in the Government service. I shall be very glad to bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. FORSTER

Perhaps the hon. Member will look up the Debates.