43. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Minister of Health what instructions he has issued to local authorities in the matter of health conditions of office workers; and whether he has recommended any minimum standards of working conditions and any system of systematic inspection of offices?
§ Sir K. WoodI am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular which I have issued urging local authorities systematically to exercise their powers under the Public Health Act, 1936. In view of the procedure laid down by the Act, it would not be appropriate for me to make such a recommendation as is suggested in the second part of the question.
Mr. Creech JonesWill the Minister call for periodical reports from local authorities, in view of the great anxiety shown in the Debates in the House when the Offices Regulation Bill was being discussed?
§ Sir K. WoodI will consider that.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs there any ground for supposing that tuberculosis is increasing among office workers?
§ Sir K. WoodPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of division of opinion among different town clerks in different parts of the country as 2142 to whether they have the right to inspect offices?
§ Sir K. WoodThis matter is dealt with in the circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.