§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he proposes to give permission to the Industrial Research Fatigue Board to carry out their tests, by medical doctors, among the female employés in all Government offices?
§ Mr. McNEILLI understand that facilities have been given to the Industrial Research Fatigue Board in some Government Departments for investigating special problems (e.g., telegraphists' cramp) arising in connection with particular kinds of manipulative work. I am not aware of any proposal for a widespread application of tests such as is suggested in the question.
§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour how many, if any, of the female employés in the Govan Employment Exchange had been medically examined by doctors acting for the Industrial Research Fatigue Board up to and including Monday, 15th February?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe tests to which the hon. Member refers are not in the nature of a medical examination at all. They are simple measurements of an external kind made by two women assistants. The tests have not, I understand, been applied to any of the officers at the Govan Employment Exchange. A number of women officers at neighbouring exchanges were, however, allowed to undertake the tests at their own suggestion.
§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour when the application of the Industrial Research Fatigue Board to examine by doctors women signing at employment exchanges was received by him; how long he had it under consideration; and the circumstances or reasons that led him to give his consent to the carrying out of their tests?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe re quest of the Industrial Fatigue Research Board for facilities for these tests was made in May, 1925, and preliminary arrangements were completed in November, 1925. Consent was given to this scientific inquiry in order that knowledge might be gained in connection with conditions affecting women's employment. The tests were sanctioned, and have been applied only in the case of volunteers.