§ 28. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to make it compulsory for employers who have factories employing more than 100 men or women to appoint safety officers whose sole work would be the prevention of accidents.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Peter Thomas)No, Sir. The need for a safety officer in a factory is not determined primarily by the numbers employed. When regulations under the Factories Acts dealing with particular processes and industries are made, this question is considered and some regulations provide for such appointments in certain circumstances.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, while we are satisfied that the present inspectorate is doing the work very satisfactorily, we are not satisfied that there are sufficient inspectors? Is he also aware that when an inspector makes a recommendation for an alteration in machinery for protective purposes, no period is laid down for it to be carried into operation? Will he either lay down a period or ensure that alterations are carried out when inspectors make recommendations?
§ Mr. ThomasI have noted what the hon. Gentleman says, but I suggest that that is another question.