HC Deb 08 May 1905 vol 145 cc1129-30
MR. T. L. CORBETT (Down, N.)

I leg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a report made by the Chief Inspector of Factories and Workshops, in which he states that 144,038 women and girls are working in laundries that are not regulated by the Factory Acts; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I have had before me the report to which the hon. Member refers. I may perhaps explain that the Factory and Workshop Act only applies to laundries carried on by way of trade and for purposes of gain, and further, domestic laundries and laundries attached to religious and charitable institutions are expressly excluded from the operation of the Act. To extend the Act to such laundries would need legislation. Such legislation is, I think, desirable, but I fear I cannot undertake to introduce it at present.

MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

Has the right hon. Gentleman fully satisfied himself that these women and girls are not working in these institutions for the purpose of gain?

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I have not made definite inquiries, but, as I have said, the Act only applies to public laundries conducted for the purpose of gain and fresh legislation would therefore be required to deal with these houses.

MR. T. L. CORBETT

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire how many of these women and girls are engaged in institutions carried on for the purpose of gain? This is a very important matter

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I will get the inspector to look into the report.

MR. WILLIAM MOORE (Antrim, N.)

Did not the right hon Gentleman's predecessor give a pledge some years ago to introduce legislation on this matter?

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I am not aware of it.