§ 5. Mr. ROSEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to a contract in use in the entertainment business which enforces contracting out of the Employers' Liability Act, 1880, and any Act continuing or amending that Act; and will he institute an inquiry into the conditions of employment in this industry?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have seen the clause in the contract referred to by the hon. Member, but so far, at any rate, as theatrical performers are concerned, it would appear to be based on a. misapprehension as to the scope of the Employers' Liability Act. That Act applies only to workmen as defined in Section 8, and I am advised that a theatrical performer would not as such come within that definition, and would not, therefore, in any case have any right of action under the Act.
§ Mr. ROSEIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Home Secretary's reply, I beg to give notice that at an early date I shall call attention to this matter on the Motion for Adjournment.