§ 66. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what precautions he orders to be taken in public swimming baths under his regulations to prevent infection to the eyes, ears and other features of persons using those baths.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. James MacColl)The Department has issued comprehensive guidance from time to time on the filtration and sterilisation of the water in 1719 swimming pools and on the necessary pre-cleansing arrangements. Loan sanction for the building of a public swimming bath by a local authority would not be given unless the standard were satisfactory in all these respects. As regards swimming pools which are not managed by a local authority but to which the public are admitted on payment of a charge the Public Health Act 1936 enable the authority to make byelaws to secure the purity of the water and the cleanliness of the accommodation.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not my hon. Friend realise that the absence of precautions such as those indicated in the Question negatives the development and health purposes for which the baths are provided? Will he ensure that adequate precautions are taken?
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend has no evidence that the present precautions are not adequate.