HC Deb 07 March 1960 vol 619 c28
38. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour how many men employed in building operations and in work of engineering construction were killed or injured in 1959 and 1958; and whether he will give comparative figures for the initial nine months of each year.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Peter Thomas)

As the reply contains a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Dr. Stross

Would it be fair to say, however, that the trends have been for the figures to rise in the last few years? If that be so, will the Parliamentary Secretary and his right hon. Friend seriously consider increasing the number of fully trained inspectors over and above the seven now engaged to see to this work, because they are obviously very much needed?

Mr. Thomas

In answer to the last part of the supplementary question, I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are keeping that matter under very close observation. In answer to the first part of the supplementary question, which dealt with numbers, there has been some increase in the number of accidents over the last year, but I am happy to say that the number of fatal accidents is down.

Following is the table of figures: