§ 6. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary whether he exercises powers to regulate the employment of boys and young lads engaged in carrying large and heavy loads of parcels on specially fitted foot-pedal tricycles; and what steps are taken to see that these often immature youths are not overworked and strained in propelling heavy loads long distances through congested traffic and frequently working very long hours?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONAs regards boys under 14, I would draw the attention of the hon. and gallant Member to the provisions of Section 92 of the Education Act, 1921. My right hon. Friend has no power to regulate the employment in the occupations referred to of boys over this age.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDo not those Regulations refer simply to the instruction of the boys, and is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the trouble is that very often the boys are immature and weak and have to undergo very heavy strains affecting their health?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONNo, Sir. As far as I remember this particular Section refers to boys moving and lifting heavy weights.
§ Miss WILKINSONDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman not realise the very serious gap in our legislation for all these errand boys over 14 years of age, who 1889 are not touched by any legislation—the Shops Act and the Factory Act—and cannot he consider the advisability of bringing in some legislation that will cover these boys?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONA Bill for the particular purpose is under consideration at the Home Office at the present time.