HC Deb 18 July 1933 vol 280 cc1672-4
39. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Home Secretary if he has any statement to make upon the recent negotiations between his Department and various organisations with reference to the excessive hours of labour imposed upon certain classes of young perons; and if he can state the names of the associations, societies, or trade unions which have taken part in these negotiations?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Good progress has been made with these negotiations, but they are still not complete. The number of organisations consulted is considerable, and I hardly think any useful purpose would be served by giving a list. With regard to the trade unions concerned, the views of employés in the distributive trades were stated at a deputation from the National Union of Shop Assistants and the National Union of Distributive and Allied Workers which was received by my predecessor in March, 1932. It was suggested, however, at that time, that they might be consulted again at a later stage, and I propose to give them a further opportunity, if they so desire, of conferring with the Department. I may add that I received a deputation on the subject recently from the National Committee on Wage-earning Children, introduced by the hon. Member for Central Leeds (Mr. Denman).

Mr. WILLIAMS

May we take it from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that he will not reach any conclusion until he has finally interviewed the official trade union representative of the employés?

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that his predecessor gave a definite promise to the House, that the Government would take steps to protect these many thousands of children in unregulated trades who are working a larger number of hours than their parents are allowed to work?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The answer to the question of the Noble Lady is that we are raking very careful investigation into the matter, and, in reply to the question of the hon. Gentleman, as I have said, I shall be glad to give the trade union representatives the opportunity of coming to the Department.

Mr. WILLIAMS

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the general importance of the question, he will endeavour to expedite the decision?

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not true that there is no reason for making investigations, as we have had three committees to look into the matter, and the stuff is all there if they only had the vitality and the energy to act upon it?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Until my negotiations are complete, there is no use in discussing the matter further.