§ 39. Mr. W. ROBERTSasked the Home Secretary whether any progress has been made in the direction of eliminating unnecessary noise in factories and workshops?
§ Sir J. SIMONI would refer the hon. Member to pages 26 to 30 of the annual report of the Chief Inspector of Factories 1709 for 1934, where this matter is discussed at length. The effects of noise on the worker are being investigated by the Industrial Health Research Board, who discuss the matter on pages 12 to 14 of their last annual report, just issued.
§ 42. Mr. WHITEasked the Home Secretary whether the artificial lighting of factories will be the subject of legislation during the next Session; and whether his Department has received complaints as to the deleterious effect of excessive glare on the eyesight of the workers subjected to it?
§ Sir J. SIMONIt is contemplated that provision for adequate and suitable lighting will be included in the proposed Factories Bill. Complaints as to glare are not frequent, but of course the provisions contemplated would enable this to be dealt with.
§ Sir P. HARRISCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the new Factories Bill which is nearing completion is likely to be presented in the next Session?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think it has already been announced by the Prime Minister that it is the intention to introduce a Factories Bill in the next Session.
§ Captain GUNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many Members of Parliament suffer eyesight trouble owing to the lighting in this building, and will he look into that?
§ 44. Sir P. HARRISasked the Home Secretary the number of complaints as to working conditions received by His Majesty's inspector of factories during 1935; the number found on inquiry to be justified; and the number in which prosecutions or other remedial action followed?
§ Mr. LLOYD3,837 complaints, relating to 5,257 subjects, were received. Of the latter figure 790 were matters outside the Factory Acts. As regards the remainder, the complaint was wholly or substantially borne out on inquiry in 2,342 or about 52 per cent. of the cases and was followed by prosecution or other remedial action.
§ Sir P. HARRISDoes not the hon. Gentleman consider that these figures are very serious?
§ 46. Sir P. HARRISasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the considerable increase in the number of industrial accidents reported by His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Factories and Workshops in his annual report, the Government propose to introduce legislation to make more efficient provision against accidents in factories and workshops?
§ Mr. LLOYDYes, Sir, it is contemplated that the proposed Factories Bill should greatly strengthen the present provisions as to safety.