§ 26. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the practice among some railway companies, who recruit boys at the age of 14 as messenger and office workers, and who at 20 years of age are discharged and told to apply at the goods yard for work from day to day; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent boys from entering such blind-alley occupation?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIf by "messengers" the hon. Member refers to "van boys," I may say that I am aware that the railway companies in common with other employers experience difficulty from time to time in absorbing all the boys employed in this way. I understand, however, that the matter is under consideration by the various interests concerned. As regards office workers, I am not aware of any similar difficulty among the companies' clerical workers. I doubt whether any useful purpose would be served by introducing legislation of the kind suggested. but my hon. Friend may be interested to know that we hope in due course to obtain advice on such questions as "blind alley" employment from the National Advisory Council for Juvenile Employment.
§ Mr. HARDIEDid the Parliamentary Secretary listen to the Debate last night on the question of training in connection with the Bill now before Parliament; and will he devote his mind to the question in relation to other occupations?