HC Deb 09 December 1925 vol 189 cc483-4W
Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statement, upon page 32 of the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories, as to the work of Sheffield cutlers being carried on in tenement factories which were originally dwelling-houses, and in which there may be 30 or 40 wooden-partitioned small rooms crowded together and leading to narrow and ill-lit passages; and how many Sheffield factories are of fairly modern construction, how many are tenement factories, and how many workpeople are accommodated in each of the two kinds?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Yes, the Report was submitted to me. The pas sage in question describes the difficulties experienced in Sheffield, especially in connection with cutlery tenement factories, in the enforcement of the provisions in the Celluloid Regulations which deal with means of escape in case of fire. It shows that as a result of the combined efforts of the factory staff and local authorities the fire danger has been enormously diminished. I cannot say how many of the Sheffield factories can be classed as of fairly modern construction, as the position is constantly changing, but I am informed by the chief inspector that on the whole Sheffield compares favourably in this respect with other areas. The number of tenement factories in Sheffield is 99, and there are approximately 2,500 persons employed in them. I regret that the number employed in the ordinary factories is not available.

Mr. WILSON

also asked the Home Secretary how many notices regarding the new Regulations which come into force in January have been, or will be, issued in Sheffield; and how many of these refer to the cutlery trades?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Placard copies of the new Regulations for the grinding of cutlery and edge tools will be issued to 1,619 occupiers in Sheffield: 1,354 of these are engaged in cutlery work.