§ Mr. T. E. HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken by the Home Office to encourage local authorities who have not yet made by-laws under the Employment of Children Act, to make such by-laws and to secure their due observance?
§ Mr. McKENNAOn the passing of the Act the Home Office issued to all local authorities a circular calling their attention to the provisions of the Act, with model forms of by-laws for their assistance in preparing regulations for their districts. The responsibilty for deciding whether by-laws are required in any particular district rests, and I think must rest, on the local authority, who are acquainted with all the circumstances of the district; and while my Department is ready to give the local authorities all possible assistance in framing by-laws, no useful purpose would, in my judgment, be served by its pressing for the adoption of by-laws against the view of the local authority. I may add, however, that the revision of the model by-laws is in contemplation, and when the revised by-laws are ready I will issue them to local authorities with a fresh circular.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me how many local authorities have adopted by-laws?
§ Mr. McKENNAI could not say without notice, but I will inquire if my hon. Friend presses it.