HC Deb 02 August 1893 vol 15 cc1165-6

COMMITTEE. [Progress, Clause 1, 28th July.]

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Amendment proposed, in page 1, line 7, after the word "total," to insert the words "or partial."—(Mr. Acland.)

Question proposed, "That the words 'or partial' be there inserted."

MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)

said, it appeared to him that the Amendment would entirely alter the scope of the Bill, and he should like to know what its effect would be.

THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Mr. ACLAND,) York, W.R., Rotherham

There are a few children who escape further attendance at school at the age of 10, and they may then run about the streets, as they cannot enter a factory until they are 11 years old. I think the feeling is that it is very undesirable that they should be allowed to run about the streets simply because they cannot enter a factory for a few months. We only want to cover the gap between the age at which a child may get through the Fourth Standard and the age at which it may enter a factory. I propose this Amendment particularly at the request of the hon. Member for Kingston (Sir R. Temple), and I may say that I have again and again received Petitions from the country asking for the insertion of this word "partial."

MR. TOMLTNSON

said, the explanation had not enlightened him at all. So far as he knew, there was no instance of half-time that extended to anything but factories.

MR. ACLAND

A child may easily be employed by someone for the purpose of selling newspapers on a, half-time arrangement.

MR. TOMLINSON

said, he had heard of a case where a girl was very much wanted at home to assist in taking charge of the children, but was not allowed to become a half-timer, because the only kind of employment to which half-time extended was employment in a, factory, He thought it would be better that the matter should stand over.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Mr. W.B. Davenport.)

Motion agreed to.

Committee report Progress; to sit again To-morrow.