HC Deb 21 April 1920 vol 128 cc382-3
34. Lieut.-Colonel HURST

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is his intention to introduce a measure to prohibit night work in the baking trade?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Major Baird)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am afraid I can only refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on the 17th March last to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for the Silvertown and Newton Divisions, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of discontent in consequence of the Government not having introduced a Bill?

Major BAIRD

I was not aware of the existence of that. The answer to which I referred was that it was the intention of the Government to introduce legislation, but we are not yet in a position to give a date.

Mr. BILLING

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman considered the advisability of hearing representations from the bakers before introducing it?

Major BAIRD

I will bear that in mind.

Mr. HAILWOOD

Is it the intention of the Government to see that the first two Clauses of the Bill contain provisions for the abolition of night work in the House of Commons and the Post Office?