HC Deb 30 March 1914 vol 60 cc809-10
24. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will have a report from his fishery officers from the Moray Firth to Shetland, detailing the conditions under which the girls engaged in the herring-curing operations pursue their avocation, and also the accommodation provided for them by steamers and railway trains taking them to and from their work?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

As the matters to which my hon. Friend refers do not fall within the sphere of the fishery officers' duties, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Questions as to the conditions under which work is performed in curing stations should be addressed to the Home Secretary, as these stations are subject to inspection by His Majesty's inspectors of factories, and questions relating to the accommodation provided in steamers and railway trains should be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

Has the right hon. Gentleman no authority in the matter at all?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No, it is a question for the Home Secretary.

34. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will have an inquiry made into the conditions under which the girls engaged in herring-curing operations pursue their work at Lowestoft and Yarmouth, especially with reference to housing and sanitary conditions?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

I assume that my hon. Friend's question relates to workplaces. If so, it should be addressed to the Home Secretary.