§ 42. Mr. Allaunasked the Minister of Labour what action he proposes to take against firms which have not complied with the Iron and Steel Foundries Regulations, particularly in regard to Regulations 7 and 9 which are concerned with dust control and the provision of baths and clothing accommodation.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodHer Majesty's Inspectors of Factories have been instructed to take active steps to secure compliance with these Regulations.
§ Mr. AllaunWill the Minister state in particular what steps are being taken to make available to the industry exhaust facilities for the control of dust from grinders and pneumatic chisels, and to ensure that every tool generating dust is controlled more effectively so as to protect the workers from industrial dust diseases?
§ Mr. MacleodWe have sent out the general instructions to which I referred in my Answer. The two regulations to which the hon. Gentleman has drawn attention came into effect only on 1st January this year. If he would like details of the specific points made in the instructions which we have sent out, perhaps he will write to me or put down a Question.
Mr. LeeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Garrett Committee reported on this matter we had at the Ministry of Labour in those days exhaustive inquiries into the control of dust? It is a difficult question, but five years have passed since then, and we should like to see progress.
§ Mr. MacleodYes, five years have passed since then, but only two months have passed since these regulations came into effect. Therefore, it is too early to rely on anything more than voluntary action in this matter, on which a great deal has been done.