HC Deb 11 May 1911 vol 25 c1385
Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked if the term shop assistants includes cashiers and book-keepers in the employment of coal merchants, or of similar distributing agents?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Bill will apply to any premises where retail trade is carried on, but only those employés who are engaged in connection with the serving of customers, the receipt of orders, and the despatch of goods would be regarded as assistants. Whether any person is so engaged will be a question of fact in each case, but generally I should say that the clerical staff engaged in the keeping of books and similar work would not come within the Bill.