HC Deb 23 June 1938 vol 337 cc1266-7
77. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Minister of Health whether the conditions of employment amongst night workers engaged in the sale of refreshments are subject to any statutory control?

Mr. Lloyd

I have been asked to reply. Premises for the sale of refreshments are generally shops within the meaning of the Shops Acts, and employment therein is regulated by those Acts. There is, however, no special provision relating to employment at night except in the case of young persons under 18 whose employment is prohibited during a period of at least II consecutive hours, including the period from 10 o'clock in the evening until 6 o'clock in the morning, except that boys over 16 may, under certain conditions, be employed until midnight in the service of meals for consumption on the premises.

Mr. Bellenger

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in some of these all-night milk bars, excessively long hours are being worked; and is it possible for his Department to make a few inquiries in that direction?

Mr. Lloyd

I am not aware of that, but we will make inquiries.