HC Deb 22 June 1933 vol 279 cc917-8
3. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the recent case at the Clerkenwell Police Court of a prosecution under the Shops Act, when a restaurant proprietress was fined the sum of 22s. 6d. for employing three youths for 109 hours each in a week; and, if so, whether he intends taking any steps to introduce trade board regulations to prevent these conditions recurring?

Mr. HUDSON

My right hon. Friend's attention has not been called to this case. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies to previous questions on the subject of the application of the Trade Boards Acts to the catering trade, and particularly to the reply given on the 11th February, 1932, of which I am sending him a further copy.

Mr. DAVIES

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to verify the fact that the proprietress of a restaurant employed three young lads for 109 hours each per week, and that the magistrates thought it fit that a fine of only 22s. 6d. should be imposed? Are the Government satisfied with that state of affairs?

Mr. HUDSON

Any question on the subject of prosecution should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.