HC Deb 12 March 1970 vol 797 cc1535-6
6. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to safeguard the public against accidents caused by spin-driers in coin-operated launderettes.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

My right hon. Friend has no power to impose safety requirements for the protection of customers in launderettes. I understand. however, that a code of practice which is being prepared by the trade associations concerned will include safety recommendations relating to such appliances as spin-driers.

Mr. Lipton

is my hon. Friend aware that, following two recent accidents involving children in serious injuries, the Lambeth Council discovered that coin-operated launderettes are not governed by the laws affecting factories and shops? Does not she agree that this omission should be repaired as soon as possible?

Mrs. Williams

My hon. Friend is quite right. He will be pleased to know that, in addition to the safety recommendations to which I have referred, my right hon. Friend's Department is considering recommendations about safety in launderettes and my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity is considering bringing this problem within the scope of her new inquiry into safety.