§ 49. Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the various Exchanges in Glasgow at which the Industrial Research Fatigue Board have been given permission to carry out tests?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe Employment Exchanges at which these tests have been carried out are: Glasgow, South Side; Glasgow, Central; Bridgeton; Govan, and Springburn.
§ Mr. T. SHAWWill the Minister pay special attention to the fact that a very careful explanation is given to all the persons when the examination takes place, so as to give them some indication of the importance of this examination?
§ Mr. MACLEANInstead of seeing that these people have careful examination, will the Minister not get this thing stopped altogether?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDOn the contrary, as is well known by the right hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham), who is chairman of the organisation, these tests are extraordinarily valuable.
§ Mr. MAXTONIn the case of the examination that is to take place in the Bridgeton Division, will the right hon. Gentleman provide an escort for those who have to carry out the test?
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman see that certain boards of directors are submitted to this test?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODAnd some Cabinet Ministers.
§ 50. Mr. MACLEANalso asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the results of the tests carried out by the Industrial Research Fatigue Board at the Govan Employment Exchange; whether these tests are now completed; and, if not, when they are likely to be completed?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am informed that the results will be published by the Industrial Fatigue Research Board in due course. I understand that the tests of applicants at the Employment Exchanges in Glasgow have been completed.
§ Mr. MACLEANHow soon will that be published, so that we may know whether the test has been as valuable as the Minister says it is?
Viscountess ASTORIs it not true that these tests have led in other countries to great social reforms? [Interruption.]
§ Mr. BUCHANANIt is an insult to women. Why should she not be tested?
§ Mr. SPEAKERHon. Members will please not shout across the Floor of the House, or I shall have to take strong action.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI was not referring to any individual.
§ Mr. MACLEANDo you not understand, Mr. Speaker, the amount of resentment that must be felt by Members who have coming to them in their constituencies women who have been sent in to be medically examined without being told that it was voluntary?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is not mended in any way by shouting across the Floor of the House.