HC Deb 26 March 1925 vol 182 cc606-7
28. Mr. MONTAGUE

asked the Home Secretary how many factories and workshops now in use were in use prior to the passage of the Factory Act, 1901; and how many have come into use since the passage of that Act?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I regret that this information is not available.

31. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the introduction of the Factory and Workshop Consolidation Bill foreshadowed by the Prime Minister?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave yesterday to the question asked on this subject by the Noble Lord the Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck).

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that both inside this House and out of it the new Bill is always referred to as the Factories Bill? Will he say whether it is not a Factories and Workshops Bill? Is it not intended to refer to workshops as well as factories?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Oh, yes, one of the Clauses is for bringing all workshops into the category of factories.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Is the Bill correctly described as a consolidating Bill, or will it contain new enactments?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am not responsible for the Title of the Bill. The Bill will undoubtedly be a considerable advance on the existing law, in consolidating the old law, and will show an advance as regards amendments of the law.