§ Mr. Cooperasked the Minister of Labour what action has been taken to give effect to the recommendations made by the Industrial Health Advisory Committee for improving the situation relating to first-aid in factories arising out of the Halifax survey.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodRevised drafts of the First-Aid in Factories Order and of the first-aid leaflet were sent to interested organisations in April, 1958, and their comments invited by 30th June. Subject to their comments I hope to make a new Order and to publish a new leaflet before the end of the year.
My Department has discussed the question of the recruitment and training of persons in first-aid in factories with representatives of the St. John Ambulance Association, St. Andrew's Ambulance Association and the British Red Cross Society. As a result it has been decided to select, in consultation with representatives of these associations, two or three 24W places in each of the fourteen divisions of the Factory Inspectorate where special efforts will be made to stimulate an increase in the number of factory workers taking initial or refresher courses in first-aid. I attach great importance to the success of these efforts as an increase in the number of factory workers with up-to-date training in first-aid treatment is essential in securing the improvements in the present situation which everyone agrees to be necessary. I am glad to say that the British Employers' Confederation, the Trades Union Congress and the nationalised industries have indicated their support for these proposals.
Further action will depend on the results achieved in the places selected for these special efforts to stimulate training.