HC Deb 21 October 1937 vol 327 c11
16. Mr. Short

asked the Home Secretary how many factory safety-first committees are in being; whether they meet with regularity; what industries are affected; and how many committees have been formed since 31st July.

Mr. Lloyd

The factory inspectors are aware of some 1,250 such committees, of which 18 have been formed since July last. The great majority of these committees meet regularly. They are found in a wide variety of industries, but more particularly in the chief accident producing industries such as the iron and steel industries and docks. As the hon. Member will be aware from the statements made in the Debates on the Factories Bill, the Home Office attach great importance to these committees as an effective means of securing the interest and co-operation of the workers in the reduction of accidents, and while progress in the establishment of these committees has on the whole been satisfactory, it is proposed to approach the Employers' representatives again this Autumn with a view to further steps being taken to extend and accelerate the movement.