§ 21. Mr. Boardmanasked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in his campaign to reduce industrial accidents among young people.
§ Mr. HareI cannot assess the position until the detailed analysis of the statistics is completed later this year, when it will be published in the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories. Supervision, training and safety-minded-ness are much the most important factors. In all my recent approaches on accident prevention to the B.E.C. and T.U.C. and to particular industries I have laid stress on the special problems of young workers and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education has again recently drawn the attention of local education authorities to the importance of safety-training.
§ Mr. BoardmanI should like to thank the Minister for the interest which he is taking in this very important matter. To what extent is the use of cine-film being considered? Is the Minister not aware that this is probably the most fruitful approach which can be made to these young people?
§ Mr. HareI thank the hon. Member for what he says. I am prepared to consider the use of any method. Experts vary in their view of what is the best method of approach. Whether the cine-film has a particular advantage, as he says, would probably be a source of argument for other experts who think that other means are better, but I am prepared to consider all means to try to push this safety campaign so that people, especially young people, are made more safety-conscious.
§ Mr. BoardmanWill the Minister bear in mind that most of these young 19 people are completely immune from all forms of exhortation whereas they are impressed by cine-films?
§ Mr. HareI do not accept that young people are immune from good instruction either in schools or technical colleges. Our experience is the reverse.