§ 107. Mr. Lawsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the incidence of industrial injury in Scotland appears to be about 80 per cent. higher than it is in the comparable sized Midlands division of England; what are the reasons for this; and what steps he proposes taking to bring the industrial injury rate in Scotland more into line with that of the Midlands.
§ Mr. WoodI assume the hon. Member is referring to the East Midland Division which in 1957 had 19,056 factories with mechanical power and 10,219 reported accidents, as compared with 22,253 factories and 20,707 accidents in Scotland. The incidence of industrial injury inevitably varies between Divisions according to the nature of the main industries carried on. It is my policy to take steps to reduce the accident rate throughout the country by all available means.