§ 19. Mr. BARNESasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been directed to the case of a factory prosecution against Wood's Bottle Works, Portobello, in which it was stated that one boy collapsed in the school after working at the place in question, and that he had only three hours' sleep before attending school; and whether he can take steps to prevent a repetition of such breaches of the law?
Mr. HARMSWORTHA report has been received from the factory inspector which shows that the case was a very bad one. Two schoolboys of twelve and thirteen years of age were employed full time at the factory during the night shift, while they were attending school by day. The occupiers were prosecuted and a fine of £10 was imposed. I hope that the publicity given to this scandalous case and the issue of directions to the factory inspectors to keep the works under special and stringent observation will prevent a repetition of the offence.