§ 83. Mr. SITCHasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. Vandervell and Company, Limited, Acton, last week dismissed at a moment's notice over 70 women of 18 611 years and over and engaged in their places girls of 14 to 16 years of age; and whether, in view of the unemployment existing among women in this district, he is prepared to take any steps in the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel GILMOURThe attention of the Ministry of Labour has been drawn to this matter. The Department have been in communication with the firm and have been informed that the work on which the women were engaged has ceased and that young girls have been taken on in another department for a different class of work. Investigations are still proceeding and I am awaiting a further report.