§ MR. CLAUDE HAY (Shoreditch, Hoxton)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that large numbers of children of tender years are sent to the Continent from this country under contracts for public performances; that these children perform in Continental halls where, in consequence of their environment, they are placed under temptations that are detrimental to their moral welfare; and that the hours of work are such as are not permitted in England; and whether, having regard to the legislation recently enacted in England for the protection of children, he will consider whether steps can be taken to prohibit the transference of young children to the Continent for the above-mentioned purposes.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) The only such case of which I have heard in which a troupe of young children was sent out to perform as dancers at a place of amusement on the Continent is now forming the subject of inquiry. I shall be glad to consider any facts on this head with which the hon. Member can furnish me. My attention has been drawn from time to time to cases of young, girls engaged to perform in Continental music halls under very unfavourable conditions, and representations have been made on the subject to authorities abroad. I understand that the London County Council are considering the question of applying to Parliament for power to control the theatrical agencies through which such performers are engaged.