§ 34. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a copy of the Report on the conditions of employment in the boot industry in the East End of London, prepared by Dr. A. D. Denning for the Boot Manufacturers' Federation and the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, in which the conditions of sweating are described as inhumane; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have not seen this Report, but I gather from the notice of it, which appeared in the Press that it is at present being considered by a joint conference representing the manufacturers' and operatives' associations, who will, no doubt, confer with the Department or Departments concerned.
§ Mr. MALONEIs my right hon. Friend aware of the serious effect of these conditions on the workers in the East End, and that it is also operating in other towns under good conditions, and will he take action under the Factory Act as soon as possible?
§ Mr. CLYNESI can only repeat that so far information comes from the Press, and I have seen no official or authoritative Report.
§ Mr. MALONEIf the facts are as stated, does it not indicate that the factory inspectors are not doing their work properly?
§ Mr. CLYNESI think that one ought not to pre-judge the facts by assuming that they are not.