§ MR. W. T. WILSON (Lancashire, Westhoughton)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company, Govan, have boys working overtime on board H.M.S. "Indomitable," many of whom are under the age that boys are allowed to work overtime; whether he is aware that when the 927 factory inspector visited the ship on the evening of the 15th instant word was passed around that the inspector was coming, with the result that many of the lads hid and were not seen by him; and whether he will take steps to prevent this company working young boys overtime.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) It is reported to me that the factory inspector when visiting these works on the 15th instant found three young persons at work after legal hours. Whether there were many others similarly employed who escaped detection I am unable to say. Proceedings are being taken against the firm, and the works will be kept under observation in order to put a stop to such employment.