§ 21. Mr. HOFFMANasked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take, in view of the increasing number of accidents which occur, to protect from injury shop assistants who are employed in shops where bacon-cutting and other meat-cutting, sausage-making, coffee-roasting, and grinding machinery is in use and the securing of first-aid outfits being available?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have no statutory powers to intervene except in cases where the part of the premises in which the work is carried on constitutes a factory but the position has been discussed with the National Federation of Meat Traders who fully recognise the need for safeguards for meat-cutting and sausage-making machines and have taken the matter up with their members on several occasions. In a few cases where the Factory Act applies the provisions of the Factory Act relating to fencing and first-aid have been applied. I am not aware of accidents from the other classes of machine mentioned, but if my hon. Friend can furnish me with information I shall be glad to look further into the matter.