§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked the Home Secretary if he will state, with reference to the draft Order altering the legal hours of work of dressmakers for two months prior to the Coronation, by reason of what inquiries, and concerning how many workers, he has satisfied himself that the women and young persons concerned prefer, as stated by him, to work until nine p.m. during two of the best months of the year?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy hon. Friend misunderstands the answer which I gave on Monday. What I said was that it was believed to be generally more convenient both to employers and employés in these particular trades in time of pressure to work from eight to nine in the evening rather than from eight to nine in the morning. The draft Order was issued after consultation with some of the London inspectors. As I have already explained, the Order is only in draft at present, and if any objections are received they will be considered before any final Order is made.
§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH - COOKEHas the right hon. Gentleman yet received any objection from any of the women or young persons who will benefit by this?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNot that I am aware of.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to lay this Order upon the Table?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not quite know; I will find out. I hope very shortly.
§ Mr. MARTINasked the Home Secretary whether he will refuse to sanction the draft Order issued granting to factories and workshops, in the county of London, in which the making of wearing apparel is carried on, the right to keep women and young persons at work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., from 1st May to 1st July, seeing that it is likely to cause serious danger to the health of the women and young persons employed, and that the hours authorised by law for these persons are already long; and whether he made it a condition of making the draft Order that employers would pay such employés additional wages commensurate with the profits likely to be made out of this work?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am advised there are no grounds for supposing that danger to health will result from the Order which, if made, will be in force for two months only, and will not extend the legal hours of employment. I have no power to make it a condition of the Order that extra wages should be paid; but before issuing the draft I received an assurance from the Drapers' Chamber of Trade in behalf of the firms represented by the chamber that full wages would be paid for any time worked beyond the usual hours.
§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANAt overtime rate?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo. It is legal; but beyond the usual hours.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman reconcile the sanctioning of this Order with his support of the Daylight Saving Bill?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think I can from every point of view. If the Daylight Saving Bill were in force, eight to nine would, in fact, become from seven to eight.