HC Deb 09 November 1933 vol 281 c298
17. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Home Secretary if he will request the appropriate medical authorities to conduct an investigation into the effects on the physique of women employed in the textile industry of Lancashire on the six-looms-per-weaver system, and issue a report thereon?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The Factory Department will carefully watch for any ill-effects on health which may appear to arise from this system, but I am advised that a special investigation at the present time would not be likely to lead to any definite results. The system has only recently been introduced, and there are no sufficient data on which conclusions could be based.

Mr. DAVIES

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to keep in touch with this problem, especially in view of the fact that the women employed under this new system are complaining very much indeed of the physical hardships consequent upon it?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As I think I have previously stated in this House, this question is being very closely watched.

Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLE

Has this matter been referred to the Industrial Health Research Committee, whose business it is to look into these matters?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am not sure of that.