I should like to raise a query on this section. The section deals with humid factories, where humidity is required as part of the industrial process. I wonder what the position is in regard to factories where a certain temperature—I do not say is required—but is maintained by the employer because it is of assistance in the process and which gives rise to objections on the part of the workers. I am thinking of tobacco factories where quite frequently there are objections because it suits the employer to maintain a high temperature because it is beneficial to the leaf when they are working it. I wonder whether there would be any facilities for the workers there to have the position examined.
SECTION 62.
Question proposed: " That Section 62 stand part of the Bill."
Mr. Lemass
Section 12 does put the obligation on the occupier to maintain reasonable temperature subject to whatever regulations the Minister may make.
Section 62 is intended really to deal only with textiles.
Yes, but it is tying up the question of the atmospheric conditions with the industrial process, rather than the question of temperature from the point of view of the comfort of the workers. I am not pressing it. It is just that I am not quite clear as to whether there are any powers to deal with the problem.
There was a problem on the last day. I think it related to the heating of icehouses, or something like that.
Mr. Lemass
The absence of heating.
We decided to look into the question of what the temperature should be with a view to making sure that it would not be too low. We can look at this to consider the problem where it is pleaded that the temperature is too high.
Yes ; it is the same problem actually.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 63 agreed to.