HC Deb 27 June 1922 vol 155 cc1829-30
26. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the Ministry of Labour's Report, the Government has caused an inquiry to be made into the conditions of employment of boys in scaling ships' boilers?

Mr. SHORTT

Yes, an inquiry was made, and I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer which I gave to him on this subject on 3rd August last. I regret that no opportunity has been found this Session for dealing with the matter by legislation, but it will not be lost sight of.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman introduce such a very non-contentious Measure during the present Session so as to redeem it from absolute sterility?

Mr. SHORTT

If the Noble Lord had as much correspondence about it as I have he would not say it was non-contentious.