HC Deb 08 December 1942 vol 385 cc1429-30
35. Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the Chief Inspector of Factories in his Report for 1941 indicates that a serious feature is still the number of accidents occurring on unguarded machines and that it is a short-sighted policy not to expend the materials and labour required for guards in war-time; and whether such protection for machines against accident is now freely available?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Tomlinson)

I have been asked to reply. The Chief Inspector of Factories called attention to this matter in his last annual Report. It is the policy of the Ministry of Labour and National Service to press for the provision of these installations to the utmost extent to which war-time circumstances permit.

Mr. Adams

Is there now abundant provision of these safeguarding instruments?

Mr. Tomlinson

I would not like to say that there is abundant provision, but I think I can say there is provision.

Sir H. Williams

Is any contact kept with the manufacturers of machinery, as it is so much better to design these safeguards when the machine is made rather than improvise them subsequently?

Mr. Tomlinson

That is another question.

Mr. Adams

On a point of Order. I addressed this Question to the Minister of Supply. The Ministry of Labour can tell the House what they are doing, but the Ministry of Supply are silent.

Mr. Speaker

The Minister who knows about it answered the Question.