§ Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hours per week were worked by crane men, assistant crane men, locomotive men, engineers and labourers, during the month of February, 1927, at the State subsidised beet-sugar factory at Cupar, Fife?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed that no crane men were employed during February; that one locomotive man was employed 55 hours per week; and that engineers and labourers worked 44 hours per week.
§ Mr. KELLYasked the Home Secretary (1) if any steps are taken by his Department to insist upon adequate ventilation and sanitary arrangements in beet-sugar factories;
1386W(2) what steps, if any, are taken to see that reasonable and healthy conditions of working and provisions as to meal times operate in beet-sugar factories; and will steps be taken to report on the methods of fencing machinery and belts for the protection of the workpeople?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAll the beet sugar factories are regularly visited by the factory inspectors, and the reports received show that compliance with the requirements of the Factory Act has, in general, been amply secured. Temperatures are necessarily somewhat high in this work, but adequate ventilation is provided, and the sanitary arrangements are satisfactory. The requirements of the Act as to meal times, which, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, apply only in the case of women and young persons, are also observed. The machinery, including belts, is reported, generally speaking, to be well protected. In a few cases, however, the inspector found that further protection was necessary and has taken special steps to secure this.