HC Deb 05 February 1913 vol 47 cc2207-8
76. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Home Secretary whether, since the period covered by the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories for 1911, any further cases and, if so, how many, of infringements of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, have been discovered, whereby young persons are illegally compelled by the local education authorities to attend continuation classes in addition to working the full time allowed by law in factories; and what steps he or the Secretary for Scotland is taking to stop this practice?

Mr. McKENNA

The question of contravention in these cases arises under the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, and the enforcement of that Act is a matter for the Scotch Education Department. All such cases of contravention as may come to the notice of the Factory Department are reported to the Scotch Education Department, but I have no information as to whether any, and if so how many, cases have been so reported in 1912. I shall be happy, however, to obtain the information and communicate it to the Noble Lord.