HC Deb 26 July 1965 vol 717 cc17-8
23. Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Labour when he intends to introduce legislation to extend the Factories Acts to include Health Service and local government employees.

Mr. Thornton

A large number of these employees are already covered either by the Factories Act or the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act. My right hon. Friend has no plans at present for extending this legislation to other employees in these fields.

Mr. Lomas

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is a most disappointing reply inasmuch as in the Health Service, for example, laundry workers are covered but those in boiler-houses are not, and people who serve meals to the staff are covered, while those who serve them to the patients are not? Ought not people

GRAVESEND EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OFFICE
Men Boys Women Girls Total
Unemployed on 12th July, 1965 … … 136 21 52 19 228
Vacancies notified but unfilled on 7th July, 1965 … … … … … … 207 92 96 50 445

in public service to be entitled to the same degree of welfare, protection and safety measures as those in the public sector? Will he give an assurance that he will look at the matter again and introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. Thornton

If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any group or groups that he has in mind, we will certainly look into the matter.

Mr. Hamling

Can my hon. Friend tell us how many persons who work in the Palace of Westminster are covered by the Factories Acts?

Mr. Thornton

Not without notice.

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that any of them are Health Service or local authority employees.

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