§ Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Supply the arrangements made generally for welfare work in Ministry of Supply factories; what persons or organisations are in charge of it; and whether it is being done through a Government Department or voluntary agency, and the average and maximum hours of work, including overtime?
§ Mr. BurginIt is part of the duty of the managements of Royal Ordnance factories to give close and constant attention to the welfare of the workpeople, and local machinery exists for discussion between the managements and the employés'representatives of any aspect thereof which may from time to time arise. Welfare officers have been appointed at factories employing women, and at all factories appropriate arrangements for internal medical services have been made. Close contact is maintained with the officials of the Home Office, with special reference to the provisions of the Factories Act, and the assistance of voluntary organisations is invoked in appropriate cases. As regards the last part of the Question, the present hours of the workpeople vary as between the different factories and as between classes of workers of both sexes. If the hon. Member desires detailed information about hours in any particular case in which he is interested, he will perhaps let me know.