§ 71. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Minister of Munitions how many boys and girls and how many male and female young persons are now employed on night shifts in the national and controlled factories and establishments, respectively?
§ Sir G. CAVEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It appears, from the returns recently collected at the Noble Lord's request, that the boys under sixteen years and the girls between sixteen and eighteen years employed on night shifts in the national and controlled factories number about 14,000 and 8,000 respectively. The night employment of girls under sixteen is nowhere permitted. The figures include boys employed in factories where night work is permitted under the ordinary provisions of the Factory Act, as well as boys employed at night in pursuance of Emergency Orders. The whole matter is now under review by the Home Office and Ministry of Munitions; but no definite statement can yet be made.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs not the employment of young boys on night shifts directly contrary to the spirit and letter of the Factory Acts, and not only most uneconomic, but most injurious to health?
§ Sir G. CAVEAs my Noble Friend knows, special relaxations have had to be given.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEDoes the number also include boys under fourteen years of age?
§ Sir G. CAVEBoys under sixteen.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEBut it does include some boys under fourteen?