§ Mr. JOELasked the Home Secretary whether any information has been laid before his Department to show that accidents in the building trade are increasing; and whether insurance companies are now making exhaustive inquiries as to the cause?
§ Sir J. SIMONIf the figures for the last five years be compared, there would not appear to be any material change in the proportion of accidents in this trade, and I am advised that the increase in 1934 over 1933 may be fully accounted for by increased building activity, and by better reporting of accidents to the need for which the special attention of employers was recently drawn. It has, however, been recognised by my Department for some time past that the situation calls for further inquiry, and I have just appointed Mr. G. S. Taylor, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, specially assisted by three other inspectors, to make a report, after consultation with bodies concerned and after any necessary inquiries, reviewing the accident risks in the building industry and the precautions already adopted, whether by way of regulations or otherwise, with a view to advising as to what further measures may be desirable.