§ MR. HARMOOD-BANNER (Liverpool, Everton)I beg to ask the Prime Minister, in consideration of the increase in the number of religious houses in this country, recently augmented by the 298 immigration of conventual communities from France, and of the fact that factories, workshops, and laundries are conducted in connection with these establishments, whether he will order a Statistical Return of all Monastic and Conventual Residences in Great Britain and Ireland, and arrange for the periodical and efficient inspection of all such institutions, enabling all the members of these communities to share the rights and liberties of British citizens under the protection of the Law, and regulating all business undertakings, whether of paid or unpaid labour, in accordance with the rules enforced in other centres of industry.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI do not think that any such Return is wanted at present, nor do I think that any system of general conventual inspection is required or desirable. I understand that my right hon. friend the Home Secretary contemplates legislation next session, if possible, dealing with convent laundries; and I hope that this will make good any existing deficiencies in the way of public supervision.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYI hope the right hon. Gentleman will remember this Question is put by a follower of a Government which negatived any such legislation.
§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)Will the Bill be similar to one intended to be introduced by the late Government?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANsaid he had no knowledge what the provisions of the Bill would be; nor was it certain that a Bill would be introduced.
§ MR. SLOANWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by will be introtroduced next session "if possible"?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIf it is found to be within the competence and necessities of the Government to introduce it.