§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Home Secretary if he will make inquiries into the physical injuries caused by the lifting of sacks containing 280 lbs. of flour; and whether he will take steps under the welfare schemes of his Department to induce employing flour milers to use 140 lbs. sacks instead?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am informed that this matter has been under consideration from time to time by the Joint Industrial Council for the flour milling industry, and that in 1920 the council passed a resolution which they reaffirmed in 1928 recommending that the use of 280 lb. sacks should be discontinued, and that "as opportunity arises for new flour sacks to be purchased, the capacity should not be of a weight exceeding 140 lbs." I understand that this recommendation has been generally adopted, and I have received no complaints, but if my hon. Friend is aware of any cases where the recommendation is not being acted on and the workmen have suffered or complained of undue strain, I shall be glad, on being furnished with the necessary particulars, to make inquiries and consider whether any action is necessary to prevent injury.