§ Mr. Deedesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government have now considered the question of introducing comprehensive legislation as regards the health, welfare and safety of persons employed in shops, offices and other premises covered by the Gowers Committee's Report; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerYes. We have decided to introduce comprehensive legislation on this subject, for which my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour will be responsible. It will not be possible to complete the preparation of this major measure in time to introduce it next Session; but it is our intention that the Bill should be introduced before the Offices Bill comes into force at the be ginning of 1962. The legislation will, in any event, cover shops, offices and those railway premises not already covered by factory legislation. The question of the inclusion of other classes of premises covered by the Gowers Committee's Report is still being examined.