Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 9 December 1920.
Mr Edward Shortt
, Newcastle upon Tyne West
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, many notices of defects have been sent to the local authorities, but in the event of their not taking steps to remedy them, all that the inspectors can do is to serve notices on the factory and workship occupiers requiring them to provide suitable accommodation. The root of the mischief lies in the fact that in the districts concerned the system of drainage is insufficient, that is to say, the conditions in the factories and workshops are due to circumstances for which the local authorities are responsible, and can only be remedied by the local authorities adopting improved standards. On this side the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, who have it, I understand, at present under consideration, and are about to confer with the Home Office with a view to joint action.