HC Deb 29 November 1928 vol 223 cc571-2
17. Mr. MACKINDER

asked the Home Secretary if he has received the Report of his inspector as to whether or not the young persons employed on the first shift at Denby Dale have to walk a mile to and from work, and then depend on the ordinary omnibus service for the remainder of their journey?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The Factory Inspector reports that the firm subsidises a special omnibus which brings the morning workers to the mill from Penistone and other outlying villages, the route being arranged so as to pass as near as possible to the workers' homes. On ceasing work at 2 p.m., ordinary omnibuses are available, and the firm have arranged with the omnibus company for the omnibus service which serves Penistone and other outlying villages to pass within a mile of the mill.

Mr. MACKINDER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the same ordinary omnibus service is used to bring these girls to within a mile of their work, which they have to start at six o'clock in the morning, and that the ordinary omnibus is still used, on to which they have to get after walking a mile uphill, at dinner-time; and does he consider that to be subsidising, when the ordinary omnibus service is used morning and afternoon?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have a very long report here from the inspector. It would take some time to read it all to the House, but I will send it to the hon. Member.

Mr. MACKINDER

Would the right hon. Gentleman accept from me a copy of a letter which I have received from the same district?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Certainly.

Mr. SIDNEY WEBB

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the arrangement which he has described is satisfactory?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have gone into it very fully indeed with the inspector, and I think it is satisfactory.

Mr. MACKINDER

Does the right hon. Gentleman really consider it satisfactory that these girls should have to take a four-mile ride on an ordinary omnibus, walk a mile from the omnibus to their work, and be at their work at six o'clock in the morning? Would he let his daughter do it?

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot spend any more time on this question.