HC Deb 27 July 1961 vol 645 cc578-9
9. Mr. Hilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the working of Section 3 of the Agriculture (Safety, Health and Welfare Provisions) Act, 1956, regarding the provision of suitable sanitary conveniences and washing facilities on farms.

Mr. Vane

This Section empowers sanitary authorities to serve notices on employers of agricultural workers requiring them to provide suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences, and gives my right hon. Friend similar power to require the provision of washing facilities. A number of notices concerning lavatories have, I understand, been served by sanitary authorities. The Ministry's safety and wages inspectors are required to see that employers are providing satisfactory washing facilities and so far it has not been necessary for my right hon. Friend to serve any notices.

Mr. Hilton

That is all very well and interesting. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, despite those instructions, there are few farms with either sanitary facilities or washing arrangements for the farm workers? This is 1961 and the situation on the farms would not be tolerated in any other industry. Is it not time that the Minister got stuck into this matter to see that the Regulations are carried out? With many people who work on farms handling food, in the interests of hygiene and common sense alone is it not important that the Regulations should be carried out?

Mr. Vane

The hon. Member does not give a fair picture. We now have improvements in piped water supply all over the countryside, even in the most remote areas, and the provision of proper washing and sanitary facilities is very much easier than it was a little time ago. I cannot speak for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, who has served a number of notices in certain cases, but we are hoping to secure compliance with these requirements without recourse to serving notices, except where it is clear that employers are making no attempt to comply. I am glad to say that no such cases have yet been reported.

Mr. Peart

Despite what the hon. Gentleman said, legislation was provided. My hon. Friend represents agricultural workers through his union and he knows these conditions. All he is saying is that Where there are black spots, as there still are, the Government should see that they are cleared up. Why not action now?

Mr. Vane

I tried to give the impression that we were making progress, which cannot be judged entirely by the number of notices served. I am glad to say that progress is being made all over the country.