§ 87. Mr. BRIANTasked the Home Secretary if there is regular inspection of, and reports on, boys sent from industrial homes to work on farms; and whether before boys are placed on farms definite information is obtained as to the hours of work and wages paid?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf, as I gather, the hon. Member is referring to Reformatory and Industrial Schools, the answer is that boys who are placed in farm employment from these schools remain under the supervision of the school authorities, and the conditions of employment, including hours and wages, are carefully watched. The boys are visited by members of the school staff. The inspectors of the children's branch also make inquiry from time to time into the conditions under which these boys are employed. I may add that many of these schools give excellent farm training on modern lines, and the lads trained there are proving admirable recruits to the agricultural industry.
§ Mr. BRIANTDoes the right hon. Gentleman see that an investigation is held wherever there is alleged cruelty to a lad placed out on a farm?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMost certainly. If the hon. Member has any case in mind it will be inquired into.