41. Mr. G. DOYLEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that considerable numbers of women are at present employed on the two-shift (day) system under authorisations given under Section 150 of The Factory and Workshops Act, 1901, as extended by No. 6a of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, continued under the War Emergency Laws (Continuance) Act of 1920, and that such provisions expire on 31st August or upon the termination of the War, whichever is the later date; and what measures he proposes to take to make possible the continued employment of these women in the event of an interval occurring between the expiration of the said provisions and the publication of the Report of the departmental inquiry set up to examine the desirability of permitting such employment under the Women, Young Persons, and Children (Employment) Bill?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I do not consider it necessary at present to take any steps in anticipation of a contingency which is not very likely to arise. It is intended that the Departmental Committee should complete its inquiry and report before the provisions in question expire, and there is no reason to doubt but that they will be able to do so.
§ Mr. LAWSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is not aware that the House almost unanimously protested against Clause 2 of the Women, Young Persons, and Children (Employment) Bill, and that it was defeated in Committee by something like 26 to 4; that it has been protested against by the trade unions concerned; and why in view of this is the right hon. Gentleman seeking to flout the obvious will of the House by setting up a Committee that nobody wants?
§ Mr. SHORTTI know there was a vote against it by this House, and in Committee. I also know that a very large body of Members in this House approached me upon the subject—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]—that there is a very considerable difference of opinion upon it, and that the matter ought to be considered from all points of view.
§ Mr. LAWSONAre there any representatives of the Members concerned in this question upon that Departmental Committee?
§ Mr. SHORTTThere are no advocates on the Departmental Committee which, so far as possible, is composed of men with an open mind who are well able to go into the whole question.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it not—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]
§ Mr. G. BARNESWill the Home Secretary consider the desirability of disentangling this Bill for the other dealing with the two-shift question without prejudice to either?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat is under consideration.