§ 18. Mrs. McKayasked the Minister of Labour to what extent his Department is examining the relation between faulty design of occupational buildings and techniques, and health hazards to workers.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe Ministry recognises the part which proper design of occupational buildings and processes plays in reducing health hazards to workers. Advice is given to industry on this subject and we envisage that the industrial hygiene laboratory service which my right hon. Friend has recently established within Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate will play an active rôle in this field.
§ Mrs. McKayI thank my hon. Friend for that Answer, but does she feel that industry generally is sufficiently aware that it is much more economic in health, life and finance to take account of health risks at the design stage rather than later, when a great deal of damage has been done? Would she not feel that a greater campaign is necessary to bring this home to industry, and would she even more intensely educate and encourage it to take account of health risks at the design stage?
§ Mrs. WilliamsMy hon. Friend has a very fair point. The setting up of the industrial hygiene laboratory service and the fact that it will be possible to answer far more inquiries in this matter at the design stage should greatly assist the purpose which she and I want to serve.