§ MR. BYLESI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what legislation he has in view which is designed to deal with the evils of factory employment such as are mentioned in the Annual Report of His Majesty's Inspectors just issued, and particularly with the injustice to which many low-waged women workers are subjected in the matter of fines, deductions, and other impositions.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThe question of fines and deductions is under the consideration of a Departmental Committee, which expects to present its Report during the ensuing winter. I hope to be able to deal with that question at an early date. A Bill for the Amendment of the Factory Act in regard to the regulation of laundries and regulation of industrial work in charitable and reformatory institutions is now before the House. A number of Orders dealing with dangerous trades, home work and the provision of particulars of piece-work have been made; within the last eighteen months. I have no statement to make at present as regards further legislation.