HC Deb 30 July 1936 vol 315 cc1762-4W
Mr. FOOT

asked the Home Secretary the number of accidents reported in 1935 due to unprotected overhead shafting and extruding mechanism; whether steps have been taken to enforce precautions in such cases; and how many prosecutions have followed?

Mr. LLOYD

Separate figures for overhead shafting and extruding mechanism are not available, but in connection with shafting generally 26 fatal and 129 nonfatal accidents were reported for 1935, and proceedings for inadequate fencing were instituted against 61 firms in respect of 77 offences with, in some cases, alternative charges. Prosecutions are not confined to cases in which an accident has occurred, and of course there are some accidents in connection with which proceedings are not appropriate.

Mr. FOOT

asked the Home Secretary the number of factories and workshops coming under the purview of his Department in which safety committees operate; and whether he is satisfied that the workers have adequate representation on such committees?

Mr. LLOYD

I cannot give a figure for factories and workshops generally, but as will be seen from the account on pages 34 to 37 of the Chief Inspector's Annual Report, about 90 per cent. of the works in certain of the chief accident producing industries have safety committees or other forms of safety organisations. How far the workers are adequately represented in the various organisations it is difficult to say, but it is obvious that the success of any safety organisation must largely depend on its being such as to secure their interest and support.

Mr. WHITE

asked the Home Secretary whether his Department has taken any steps to encourage provision for outdoor exercises for young persons in the intervals of work in factories and workshops; and, in view of the importance of this in relation to the number of industrial accidents to young persons due to skylarking, will he take action in the matter without delay?

Sir J. SIMON

The Factory Department is instituting a special investigation into the causes of accidents to juveniles, and methods of preventing them will be further reviewed in the light of the result. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the provision of facilities for outdoor exercises is beyond the scope of the Factory Acts.