HC Deb 06 November 1930 vol 244 cc1020-1
41. Major NATHAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet received the report of the chief inspector of factories as to conditions in many workshops and factories in the hoot and shoe industry in East London?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Clynes)

Recent reports by the factory inspectors on all the factories and workshops now working confirm the previous inquiries, the result of which I gave in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Frome (Mr. Gould) on the 5th June last. They show that it is only in a very small proportion of the works—about 10 out of a total of 172—that poor or bad conditions prevailed. About one half are definitely reported on as good, while the remainder reach on the whole a satisfactory standard. In all cases where irregularities were found action has been taken to enforce the Act, and the conditions are reported to have much improved.

Major NATHAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing the report upon this matter?

Mr. CLYNES

Yes, I will consider that, but I can make no promise.