§ 8. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary whether' he has now been able to effect any further improvement in the hours of work in the beet-sugar factories; if he is aware that the charge hands are still compelled to work 12-hours shifts with an 18-hours shift once a, fortnight at the change-over; that they have no opportunity to take proper food during these shifts, which are worked in a very heated atmosphere and under most trying conditions; and what action he is now able to take in the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs I previously explained to the hon. and gallant Member, I have no jurisdiction with regard to the hours and meal times of adult men, but the Ministry of Agriculture have pressed upon the managements of the factories the desirability of adopting the system of three eight-hour shifts wherever practicable. The men themselves, however, are stated in some cases to prefer the longer shifts. The processes are continuous and there are no fixed meal intervals, but I understand there is no difficulty in the way of the workers taking their meals, relieving one another for the purpose where necessary. All these factories have been visited by the factory inspectors in the last few months and special attention has been paid to the question of ventilation and the welfare arrangements which are reported to be generally satisfactory.
§ Mr. M0NTAGUEIs not the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman the same argument as is used for the long hours of Indian coolies in Indian factories—that They like them?