§ 83. Mr. HASLAMasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that, where women work the eight-hour shift system, with thirty or forty minutes' interval within the eight hours for refreshment, it is reported that better results both with regard to health and production are obtained than under the twelve-hour shift system; whether there are now any industries under his control where women are allowed to work longer hours than are permitted under the Factory Acts; if so, will he immediately take steps to stop this practice, which is shown by the Report of the Health of Munition Workers to be detrimental to health and effective production; and whether all oases of overtime worked by women workers are reported to the Home Office and require the sanction of that Department?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt has generally been found that from the point of view of health a three-shift system, where practicable, is preferable to a twelve-hour shift system. In a good many cases, however, the shortage of labour and difficulties of housing accommodation make a three-shift system impracticable, and the system involves also certain difficulties of organisation. On the other hand, a two-shift system where hours in each shift are not excessive is often quite satisfactory. As regards the second part of the question, it has been decided, in concurrence with the Home Office, to bring the hours of work for women and young persons in controlled establishments generally within the weekly limit of sixty hours allowed under the ordinary provisions of the Factory Act, and steps are 1526 being taken to give effect to this decision. Wherever an emergency necessitates any extension of hours the sanction of the Home Office is required.