22. Viscountess ASTORasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the intention of the Government to bring before Parliament at an early date legislation authorising local authorities to make by-laws relating to the hours and conditions of employment of juveniles?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)I am afraid I cannot add anything to the replies which I gave to questions on this subject by the Noble Lady on the 24th October last and by the hon. Member for Whitechapel and St. George's (Mr. Janner) on the 22nd December.
Viscountess ASTORDoes the right hon. Gentleman not remember that a definite pledge was given by the Home Secretary that the Government would soon bring in a Bill to regulate the hours of juveniles? It was a definite pledge to the House. Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, there was a pledge given, but it was subject to an improvement of the industrial situation.
§ Mr. MANDERWill it take 10 years in this case?