HC Deb 22 December 1937 vol 330 c1991W
Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider issuing a booklet explaining in simple language the provisions of the Factories Act, 1937?

Mr. Lloyd

My right hon. Friend is publishing early in the New Year a guide to the new Act which he hopes will fulfil the purpose which the hon. Member has in mind.

Mr. Turton

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make regulations under Section 42 (3) of the Factories Act, 1937, exempting from the obligation to provide and maintain for use clean towels factories which provide separate lockers for the employed persons wherein their own clean towels may be left?

Mr. Lloyd

My right hon. Friend will bear this suggestion in mind, but he would point out that under the terms of the Sub-section exemptions can be authorised only in cases where by reason of special circumstances the application of the requirements would be unreasonable.

Mr. Turton

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the risk of infection attached to the use of roller towels, he will make regulations under Section 42 (2) of the Factories Act, 1937, providing that the provision of roller towels will not be deemed adequate and suitable washing facilities?

Mr. Lloyd

Roller towels are used in a large number of factories, and my right hon. Friend has no evidence at present which would justify him in taking the line that they are generally unsuitable on account of risk of infection. He will, however, have further inquiry made into the point.