34. Mr. David Adamsasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that it has been estimated that each year in Great Britain some 250,000 eyes are injured in the course of industrial employment, many of them resulting in permanent damage to sight; and what steps the Government are taking to enforce preventive measures generally and especially in the coal-mining industry?
§ Sir S. HoareThe information in my Department does not suggest that the number of eye injuries in industrial employment can be anything like 250,000 a year, but undoubtedly the number is very considerable and the matter is one of serious concern. In addition to some special provisions dealing with the subject in existing Codes of Regulations, there is a Section in the new Factories Act as to the provision of goggles or screens and I have already issued in draft some Regulations applying that Section to certain processes. In many cases, however, screening is impracticable and there is great reluctance on the part of the workers to wear goggles, and their co-operation is essential if preventive measures are to be generally secured. The Act of 1937 also contains new provisions as to the lighting of factories, which should have an important effect in preventing eye strain. As regards the coal mining industry, the hon. Member should address his enquiry to my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines.
Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware that many technical experts have expressed recently the opinion that more stringent measures are necessary?
§ Sir S. HoareI think that the measures that are being introduced should go a long way in the direction of improvement if there is co-operation between employers and workpeople.