HC Deb 01 March 1961 vol 635 cc1566-7
4. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour how many new schemes for training young persons in safety measures have been started in the building and civil engineering industries since the issue of Command Paper No. 953 in February, 1960.

Mr. Hare

There were fewer accidents of this kind in 1959 than in 1958. Until the analysis of the 1960 figures is complete I cannot say whether the improvement has been maintained.

Mr. Boyden

While that represents some progress, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a very much greater effort is needed? This Report said that there was not a large number of schemes to cope with safety for young people. With the bulge problem this becomes even more important. What steps has he taken in the matter?

Mr. Hare

I am not disagreeing with the hon. Member. We must call the attention as much as possible of both the young and the old in industry to the need for safety consciousness. The safety aspect is dealt with in certain technical schools, and I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education to see whether in the schools and technical institutes it would be possible to stress this even more than now.

5. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour whether the increase in accidents resulting from stepping on and striking against protruding nails and other objects in the building and civil engineering industries has now been checked; and if he will give the number of such accidents in 1960.

Mr. Prentice

On a point of order. I think the Minister gave the answer to Question No. S when he was replying to Question No. 4. I think this matter needs a little sorting out.

Mr. Speaker

The present Question is No. 5, not No. 4.

Mr. Hare

I have just answered No. 5, but as the subject is very close to that raised in this Question, I can say that safety training for young people normally forms part of their general training. This subject is figuring in such training to an increasing extent.

Mr. Boyden

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the figures for Question No. 5?

Mr. Hare

When the figures are available, I will see that the hon. Gentleman has them.