§ 4. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Labour why the total number of bursts of abrasive wheels is listed on page 85 of the Chief Inspectors' Report for 1955 as being 184, whereas on page 268 it is listed as 110.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Robert Carr)The figure of 184 given on page 85 of the Chief Inspectors' Report is the total number of bursts of abrasive wheels, whether causing a 184 reportable accident or not. The figure of 110 given on page 268 refers to bursts not only of abrasive wheels but also of a variety of other revolving vessels and wheels, but includes only those bursts which did not result in a reportable accident. I appreciate that the form in which the figures are published may be misleading, and the question of changing it is being examined.
§ Dr. StrossI thank the Parliamentary Secretary for that reply. May I assure him that any criticism I might have had does not in any way detract from the fact that this is one of the most wonderful Reports ever coming into our hands, and due regard ought to be paid to that and compliments conveyed to those who wrote the Report so well?
§ 5. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Labour what action is being taken to protect workers from the bursting of abrasive wheels and from other injuries sustained in their use.
§ Mr. CarrFactories using abrasive wheels take various safety measures, including proper storage and periodical examination, control of running speeds, appropriate mounting, provision of effective guards, protection flanges, goggles, and screens. The Factory Inspectorate advises as to the measures appropriate in particular cases, and up-to-date advice on all these matters will be published shortly. Draft regulations on the fencing of abrasive wheels have been published, and the practicability of making regulations an other matters is being examined.
§ Dr. StrossIs it not a fact that the Department has been advising on this matter for many years, and issued a pamphlet. I think, as far back as 1927, yet in these cases we find in the Report that a number of wheels were not guarded when they should have been, and in other cases the guards are made of brittle metal which breaks and does not contain the bursting wheel. May we have an assurance that real regard will be had to ensuring that the advice now being offered will be adhered to?
§ Mr. CarrYes, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a difficult subject, though there is much truth in what he 185 says. We are doing the best we can to solve the problem.
§ Mr. BenceWhen the hon. Gentleman goes into this matter, will he also raise the question of stock to which an abrasive wheel is applied while being held magnetically on a table, having particularly in mind the danger arising from breakdown in the magnet, the metal being caused to fly off and result in a serious accident? I myself have seen many accidents of that kind.