752 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS importance, this bonus was allied to monthly sales results, giving the workers an immediate interest in another sphere of the business. When sufficient data has been collected from the factory floor through the new costing system, it may be possible to introduce a system more closely allied to production, but in this type of business such a system is fraught with difficulties, which will take time to overcome. At this point in time minimum wages are, of course, linked with the rates as laid down by the National Joint Council for the Blind (at the moment •14.0.4 per week) and consequently are identical to wages paid to workers in every other trade practised in blind establishments. This leads to difficulties, particularly if one is faced with paying back-dated pay awards having already quoted, and in some instances completed during the back-dated period, contract work on slender profit margins. Competing on identical basis As in most industries, rates are laid down for this particular type of work, and when competing only with open industry, it should be done on an identical basis, not only for material costs but also for the labour element. As to working conditions in general, over the past ten years the factory has been completely rebuilt on its old site, so that instead of a relic from the industrial revolution it is now a light and airy establishment with the majority of employees working on ground floor level also included are modern canteen facilities where workers can enjoy a substantial mid-day meal. Normal working hours are from 8.00 to 17.15 with a 1{ hr break for lunch and the usual ten minutes morning and afternoon breaks for tea or coffee, which are also taken in the canteen area. High standards of hygiene are essential and all workers are provided with a weekly change of white overall, in addition to which cleanliness in the factory is maintained on a level comparable with the high class of products being manufactured. FUTURE PROSPECTS As in all fast moving industries, stagnation would have disastrous effects on its very existence and it is, therefore, necessary to keep pace with the increasing demands of valued customers, and likewise keep abreast of scientific and technical progress within the industry.

ECONOMIC EMPLOYMENT OF THE BLIND 753 At this moment, work is being carried out on the preparation of a 5-years forward production plan which has as its basis existing customers' anticipated requirements over this period. The challenge of entering into contracts with companies who themselves are planning an expansion programme aimed as long as 20 years into the future, is also being faced. To this end our toilet soap production will, next year, be increased by the introduction of a 1500 kg/hr plant incorporating some revolutionary processing ideas. Our powder blending and cartoning plant is now coming on to full stream with an output of 15 tons/day, and in our general toiletdes department we have installed modern tube filling equipment, which now gives us complete elasticity of production covering practically all forms of liquids, creams and powders. (Received: oe•tth August 1967) DISCUSSION MR. T. A. BROCK: Could you give us some idea of the ratio of blind to sighted employees in your factory? THE LECTURER: On all normal production work we use blind people. If we cannot use blind people we use sighted, disabled people, and if we cannot use those for a number of reasons then we have to use fully able-bodied people. This refers to stores staff, fork lift truck drivers, aso. All supervisory staff, chemists, technical staff, works engineers are sighted, able-bodied people. MR. C. PUHH: In calculating your break-even point are you allowing for deprecia- tion of the machinery in use? THE LECTURER: Yes, on a straight-line ten year basis.