§ MR. ARTHUR HENDERSON (Durham, Barnard Castle)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Depart ment whether the workshops occupied by the Church Army, in which articles are adapted for sale precisely in the same way as in other workplaces, are registered by the factory inspectors; whether these places have been regularly visited by Government inspectors; and whether the provisions of the Factory Act are complied with.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThese places have not, I understand, been registered as factories or workshops. The application of the Factory Act depends, not merely on whether articles are adapted for sale, but also on whether the work is carried on by way of trade or for purposes of gain; and it would not seem that institutions of the kind referred to can be said to be carried on by way of trade or for purposes of gain. The inspectors have, however, from time to time paid visits to such institutions where industrial work is regularly carried on, and among them to the Church Army Homes, and given advice, and I am informed that the provisions of the Factory Act are generally well observed.
§ MR. ARTHUR HENDERSONDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that these institutions are not carried on by way of profit?
§ MR. GLADSTONESo far as I know. If the hon. Member can show me to the contrary, I shall, of course, be glad to receive information.
§ MR. CHIOZZA MONEY (Paddington, N.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the goods produced in these factories really compete in the open market?
§ MR. GLADSTONEYes, I am aware of that; but it does not follow that the 18 workshops of the Church Army are carried on for purposes of gain.
§ MR. CHIOZZA MONEYasked whether the right hon. Gentleman could see his way to legislate on the subject.
§ MR. GLADSTONEsaid he would consider the point.