HC Deb 25 January 1944 vol 396 cc522-3
30. Mr. Higgs

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the sale of steel lockers for workers' clothes is now prohibited; and can he see his way to relax this restriction so that they can be purchased by industrial firms in order to protect the clothing of factory workers while it is not in use.

Mr. Dalton

In order to save labour and steel the manufacture of these goods has not been permitted since February, 1943. Existing stocks axe supplied to those factories, where, owing to the conditions of work, steel lockers are most necessary.

Mr. Higgs

Is the Minister aware that these lockers are supplied without restriction to the Ministries, and does he not consider that it is just as necessary to protect the clothes of workers in private industry as the clothes of those who work in the Ministries?

Mr. Dalton

I do not know what my hon. Friend means by "supplying free" to the Ministries.

Mr. Higgs

I said "without restriction."

Mr. Dalton

I do not know what is meant by that. What happens is that the factory inspectors advise us where these limited stocks should be sent in the interests of the workers.

Mr. Higgs

Is the Minister aware that "without restriction" means supplying without permit?

Mr. Dalton

It is not a question of permits at all.

Mr. Thorne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that sheet iron is as good as steel?