§ MR. JOHN BURNS (Battersea)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will inquire of the factory inspectors in South Wales as to the observance in tinplate works of the stipulation of Section 58, sub-section (4), of the principal Factory and Work- 589 shop Act, forbidding the employment of male young persons at night for a twelve-hour shift on more than six nights in two weeks.
§ * THE SECRETARY OK STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir M. WHITE RIDLEY, Lancashire, Blackpool)I have obtained a report on this subject from the inspector in charge of the South Wales district. it shows that the conditions imposed by the section of the Factory Act in question on the night labour of young persons are generally well observed, but that irregularities occasionally occur which have in some cases rendered it necessary for the inspector to prosecute. One very serious case of non-observance of the Act has recently occurred, and the action to be taken is now under consideration.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSWill the right hon. Gentleman also give attention to cases in which shifts of girls are employed by day as well as night?
§ * SIR M. WHITE RIDLEYI will. I have not had my attention called to any such cases.