HC Deb 13 March 1963 vol 673 cc1348-9
31. Mrs. Hart

asked the Minister of Labour in what instances, in the implementation of legislation relating to factories and places of work, it is necessary for personal information to be supplied to employers by employees.

Mr. Hare

Under certain regulations for processes where there may be a risk of anthrax, the employee must report any cut or sore to his foreman. Under the Compressed Air and Diving Regulations, employees must report certain ailments to their employers. Under the Ionising Radiations (Sealed Sources) Regulations, new employees must in certain circumstances tell the employer of any previous employment involving exposure to ionising radiations.

Mrs. Hart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Bill introduced by the noble Lord the Member for Hertford (Lord Balniel) contains an entirely new element? Under it, it will be necessary for an employer to inquire into the private personal life of new women employees. Does not this represent a grave invasion of personal freedom? Would it not be as well if the right hon. Gentleman recognised that, by supporting the Measure, he is lending himself to legislation which, though supposed to protect women, is opposed by most women?

Mr. Hare

I did not know what the hon. Lady had in mind here. As far as I know, there will be no compulsion on the women concerned to reveal information they do not want to reveal.

Mrs. Hart

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that an employer will make himself liable to a fine unless he ensures that he is correctly informed, and that, therefore, there will be an element of compulsion on the employees to give such information?

Mr. Hare

There is a certain measure of dispute about the wording of the Bill but perhaps this is not the moment to go into that.