§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Home Secretary whether he can give the number of firms in each industry where he has authorised modifications of any Section of the Factory Act; the reasons for the modifications and the number of work-people affected at the latest possible date; the number and names of the trade unions that have been consulted by the factory inspectors; and will he issue a monthly report showing the modification, and containing the information asked for in this question, and the question asked on 21st November last?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs previously stated, Orders modifying the provisions of the Factories Act have been made in respect of about 1,400 factories. The reasons for making these Orders were indicated in the 1063W statement circulated in reply to the questions asked by the hon. Member last Thursday. I am not in a position to state the number of workpeople affected, as these Orders apply to particular factories or to particular departments or classes of work therein, and not to specified numbers of workpeople. When I come to publish the report to which I referred in my previous statement, I will bear in mind the hon. Member's request that information shall be given showing in each industry the number of factories for which Orders have been made.
As regards consultation with the trade unions I may say that lists have been obtained through the Trades Union Congress Office and forwarded to factory inspectors or local union officials whom the inspectors should consult regarding any applications which may affect such unions.