63. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Kathleen Rae, of Kirkcaldy, who was sentenced to two years' detention in an industrial school in Edinburgh, was sent out by that institution to work as a domestic servant, without wages, in a privately-conducted hostel for business women in Edinburgh; whether this is a practice usually followed by such institutions; and whether he can state the number of girls sent out by similar institutions who are at present employed as domestic servants without wages in Scotland?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Westwood)My right hon. Friend is having inquiry made into the circumstances of the employment of Kathleen Rae in Edinburgh, and into the other matters referred to in the latter part of the question, and he will acquaint, my hon. Friend with the result.
Viscountess ASTORIt is very difficult sometimes to get these girls placed, and, if this girl is in a good home and receiving care, is not that the best thing for her?
§ Mr. WESTWOODWe will make inquiries into all the facts, which we will convey to the hon. Gentleman who has asked the question.
Mr. MACLEANArising out of the reply of the Under-Secretary of State, if he finds that the facts in the question are correct and that there is a fair number of girls who are put out in these circumstances, will he consider recommending a by-law to put a stop to it when these girls are sent to industrial schools?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWhy should our lasses work for you, anyway? Why do you not work for yourself?