§ 7. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour the number of accidents, fatal and non-fatal, respectively, in factories during 1940, and similar figures for 1939; and, if the figures for the whole year are not available, will he give them for a period in 1940, comparing them with a similar period in the previous year?
§ Mr. BevinAccidents reported under the Factories Act were in 1940 1,384 fatal and 231,080 non-fatal, and in 1939, 1,104 fatal and 192,371 non-fatal. The figures for 1940 are provisional and subject to correction.
§ Mr. DaviesCan my right hon. Friend tell us whether there is a percentage increase, in view of the larger number of persons employed? May I ask also whether the Factories Act is being implemented as it was in peace-time?
§ Mr. BevinI have not worked out the percentage to the total employment. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the total employment is changing day by day, and, therefore, it is rather difficult to get a percentage. With regard to the carrying-out of the Factories Act under the head of protection, not only is it being carried out as effectively as in peace-time, but I have strengthened it recently by increased inspectorates and by the inaugural ion of a new accident-prevention campaign.