§ MR. TENNANT (Berwickshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what trade or trades he contemplates extending the double-shift clause of his Factories and Workshops Bill.
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir M. WHITE RIDLEY,) Lancashire, BlackpoolThe only trade in which I think a case—a primâ facie case—has yet been made for the introduction of the double-shift system is the making of ammunition. An application has also been received from the trade of pneumatic tyre making. 1071 Both these cases will, of course, be investigated further if Parliament grants me the proposed power. I should like to point out that the system is represented to have a double advantage. It will give the workpeople shorter hours and longer intervals for rest in trying occupations, and it will enable the employer to increase his output. It is possible that similar applications will be received from other trades also, but in no case will the system be allowed except after full investigation and under such stringent conditions as may be necessary to prevent abuse.