§ Mr. B. S. STRAUSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can take steps, through his inspectors, to prevent master-bakers forcing their employés to work seven days a week?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Gladstone)There are no provisions regulating the duration of the employment of workers in bakehouses other than women and young persons, and I have no power, therefore, to take action in the direction suggested. The observance of the provisions in the Bread Acts as to baking on Sundays which my hon. Friend perhaps has in mind is not a matter for which my Department is responsible, and it would not, in my opinion, be desirable for the factory inspectors to intervene. It is open to any person aggrieved, or any member of the public, to take action.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs it the intention of the Home Office to introduce legislation to regulate the hours of labour in bakehouses?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThere is a Bill that deals with the subject before the House now, and we have informed the promoters that if a second reading is given we shall not offer any opposition to it going to a Select Committee.