HC Deb 15 February 1927 vol 202 cc735-6
32. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has sanctioned the request of the Kincardineshire Education Authority to allow children under 10 years of age to be employed in agricultural work?

Major ELLIOT

The proposal of the Kincardine Education Authority relates to the seasonal employment of children over 10 years of age, not under 10 years of age as suggested in the question.

Mr. STEPHEN

Has approval been given to this desire of the Kincardineshire Education Authority?

Major ELLIOT

There is a question on the Paper on that subject by another hon. Member.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Seeing that it is merely a clerical error—the substitution of the word "under" for "over"—and that the hon. Member for Camlachie (Mr. Stephen) has asked whether his Department have or have not sanctioned this new procedure, will the hon. Member say whether he has or has not sanctioned it?

Major ELLIOT

There is another question on the Paper dealing with that point. As a matter of courtesy, it would be as well to give the answer to the hon. Member who has asked the question.

30. Mr. T. KENNEDY

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a proposal by the Kincardineshire Education Authority in favour of reducing the age at which school children may be employed at seasonal occupations, such as potato lifting; and whether, in view of the fact that such a proposal is contrary to educational progress and is against the interests of the children, he will withhold his approval?

Major ELLIOT

I refer to the reply given on the 30th November to the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division (Mr. Maxton). Objections to the proposed bylaw have been lodged with my right hon. Friend, and are under consideration, but he has not yet reached a decision in the matter.

Mr. MAXTON

May we take it that the Scottish Office have definitely decided to allow children of 10 years of age to be employed in agricultural work?

Major ELLIOT

The hon. Member must consider the answer which I have just given.

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I ask if the Secretary of State for Scotland, before sanctioning such a by-law, seeing that this is the first of the kind, will consider taking a vote of this House on the subject?

Major ELLIOT

It is not at all the first. The hon. Member is mistaken in his facts.