§ 29. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the conditions under which prison officer tradesmen work with dangerous machinery in the workshops; whether a second officer is provided in each shop; and what are the rates of the Allowances of the trades officers of various classes?
§ Sir G. COLLINSPrison officer tradesmen act as supervisors, and, when required, as demonstrators under ordinary working conditions. The machinery is adequately guarded and is inspected by His Majesty's inspectors of factories. Two or more officers are Always employed in each workshop in which machinery is used. The allowances payable to trades officers range from 1s. 6d. to 6s. a week.
§ Mr. MATHERSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is because of their skill that some of these men are kept on at very low Allowances, and, again because of their skill, are prevented from getting promotion which would bring an increase in their emoluments?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIf my hon. Friend will communicate to me any particular cases he has in mind, I will gladly look into them.
§ Mr. MATHERSI will give the right hon. Gentleman particulars.