HC Deb 07 March 1928 vol 214 cc1131-3
33. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Labour the number of complaints received and the number of prosecutions that have arisen in Scotland and Glasgow, respectively, last year under the working of the Trade Boards?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The number of complaints received in Scotland during the year ending 31st December last was 156. No separate figures are available for Glasgow. There were prosecutions against two Scottish firms, neither of them in Glasgow.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction about the administration of this Act, particularly in Glasgow, and will he take any steps to see that it is much better enforced in its everyday working?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am not aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction as to the way it is enforced. If the hon. Member will give me any substantial grounds for believing that it is not enforced properly, I will most certainly have it looked into, but I cannot do it on mere statements.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large number of firms in the City of Glasgow and in the West of Scotland have not been visited for years by a Trade Boards' inspector, and can he say what steps, if any, he takes to see that the Act is enforced in the case of these firms?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The Trade Board firms are visited by the Trade Boards' Inspectors. They are not all of them visited every year. Unless the staff were increased to a very large number that would be quite impossible. But a fair check is taken on these firms by inspecting them regularly, though not every year.

35. Mr. ROSE

asked the Secretary of State for Air if the construction of Airship R100 at Howden is being subjected to constant and systematic inspection by qualified examiners from his Department?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)

Yes, Sir.

36. Mr. ROSE

asked the Secretary of State for Air if ample provision is being made on Airships R100 and R101 for the transport of 200 troops and their equipment?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir; but the airships would be capable of transporting that number of troops if the necessity should arise.