HC Deb 15 October 1942 vol 383 cc1744-5
15. Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the rise in reportable accidents in factories for the year 1941, fatal accidents having increased by 20 per cent. and non-fatal by 17 per cent., he has considered the desirability of setting up safety committees in factories; and whether these will be ancillary to production committees?

Mr. Bevin

Safety committees in factories with a substantial number of accidents have been advocated for many years and have often proved highly successful, but merely to set up a committee without the active support of the management and its members may not be the best method of promoting safety. The best safety organisation for a particular factory, including its relationship to any production committee, is a matter for consideration between the management and representatives of the workers.

Mr. Adams

Do I understand that the Minister is pursuing this matter in that direction?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, I have, if I may say so, been pursuing it for years.