§ Mr. Simon Mahonasked the Minister of Labour what action is to be taken to improve the working conditions of registered port workers on Merseyside; and if he will consult the other bodies concerned with a view to effecting such improvement.
§ Mr. ThorntonRecommendations on washing facilities were approved by the National Joint Council for the Port Transport Industry in April this year and have been circulated to the ports for action. Our Department is about to undertake a complete revision of the 1934 Docks Regulations made under the Factories Act, which cover all docks including those on Merseyside. All organisations representing those interested in working conditions in the docks will be consulted.
§ Mr. Simon Mahonasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the working conditions of men employed as ship scalers, boiler cleaners, ship's tank cleaners, etc., on Merseyside; and what action he will take to improve these conditions.
§ Mr. ThorntonThe Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Regulations, 1960, contain provisions concerning the safety and health of men employed in ship scaling, boiler cleaning and tank cleaning in shipyards, dry docks, wet docks and harbours. The general health and welfare provisions of the Factories Act, 1961, also apply to74W such work when carried on in shipyards and day docks. H.M. Factory Inspectors are actively engaged in the enforcement of this legislation on Merseyside and elsewhere. In particular, steps have been taken to secure improvements in the provision of washing accommodation.