HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 cc814-6
23. Mr. Banfield

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the great majority of employers in the baking industry in Birmingham are in favour of carrying on the baking trade by day; and whether he will give consideration to a proposal to give powers to city and borough councils to frame by-laws closing bakeries by night?

Sir J. Anderson

The suggestion that the majority of master bakers in Birmingham would be in favour of a local prohibition of night baking is contrary to the view communicated to me by the Birmingham Master Bakers' Association. My information is that, following a recommendation by the Birmingham Master Bakers' Association, night baking was temporarily suspended by a number of firms early in the war, pending improvements in conditions as regards temperature and ventilation, but that those members of the association who previously baked at night have now reverted to night baking, and that there would be strong objections to prohibition of night baking.

Mr. Banfield

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the principle involved in this question is not a new one and that the suggestion that I have mentioned, so far as Birmingham is concerned, if adopted, will only bring the baking trade into line with others?

Sir J. Anderson

I think I am right in saying that to do what is suggested would involve legislation, and the legislation would certainly, as I have indicated, be very controversial.

Mr. Mander

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a very strong feeling on this subject in Wolverhampton too, as well as in many other places, and will he give it further consideration?

Mr. Hannah

And in Bilston?

36. Mr. Lipson

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information as to the effect of night-time baking under present war conditions on the health of those employed in the industry?

Sir J. Anderson

The Night Baking Committee of 1937 found that no case was made out that night baking is injurious to the health of the operatives, and, while initial black-out arrangements at first resulted at some bakeries in a deterioration of conditions as regards temperature and ventilation, these difficulties are being overcome, and I see no reason to anticipate that night baking will prove to be any more injurious to health in war than under ordinary conditions.

Mr. Lipson

Has my right hon. Friend taken steps to find out whether proper ventilation is being provided in night bakeries, and has he consulted with the Minister of Food on the desirability of some restriction on night baking?

Sir J. Anderson

The attention of factory inspectors has been specially directed to the matter of ventilation, and I have also taken special steps to obtain the opinion of the medical inspectors of factories. I have not consulted the Minister of Food.

Mr. Banfield

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the average temperature in which these men work is 100 degrees, and is he aware also—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member appears to be giving information.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the Home Secretary aware that there is great dissatisfaction among a large number of the men and women employed in these bakeries regarding conditions, and will he have some inquiry made, particularly from the unions concerned?

Sir J. Anderson

I have had representations from the unions concerned and I have indicated that I have taken special steps, through the factory inspectors, to ensure that proper attention is given to ventilation.

Mr. Banfield

On a point of Order. May I respectfully submit that I was asking the Minister whether he was aware of the intolerable heat in which the men work, which is detrimental to their health, and surely that was not taking undue advantage of the question?

Mr. Speaker

It was giving information. The hon. Member prefaced his question with the remark "Is the Minister aware," and was going on to give any amount of information after that.

Mr. Banfield

A good many people in this House do it.