HC Deb 16 March 1891 vol 351 cc1065-6
MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S:)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in recommending to Her Majesty the names of persons to be appointed on the proposed Labour Commission, the Government will consider the desirability of placing on the Commission one or more women, having regard both to the large extent to which working women and their trade organisations are interested in any amendments of the laws relating to labour which may be suggested, and also to the fact that some of the questions likely to be dealt with by the Commission affect working women and children in a special and peculiar way?

*THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH,) Strand, Westminster

The Government have very carefully considered this question, and they have come to the conclusion that, on the whole, it is not advisable that women should be placed upon the Commission. All interests will doubtless be fully represented before the Commission.

MR. BRYCE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his answer must be regarded as final, or whether it will be of any use to bring before the Government further evidence in the matter?

*MR. W. H. SMITH

Yes, Sir; I think my answer must be regarded as final.