HC Deb 07 November 1933 vol 281 cc19-20
29. Mr. DENMAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he has completed his negotiations for limiting the hours of employment of young persons; and whether he can now assure the House that the Government's undertaking to legislate on this matter will soon be fulfilled?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the proposals for further limitation of the hours of young persons employed in the distributive trades. The negotiations on this subject have now reached an advanced stage, but I am not yet in a position to make any definite statement as to the introduction of legislation.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of when he is likely to reach a conclusion and introduce some legislation?

Viscountess ASTOR

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that we have had vague assurances like this since 1912; and will he bear in mind that the Juvenile Advisory Committee for Scotland said that it was imperative to have legislation respecting juveniles? Will the Prime Minister bear that in mind?

Mr. GEORGE BALFOUR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the vast amount of unemployment caused by Measures of this kind?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I can assure my hon. Friends that this matter is not being neglected by the Government, and I hope to be able to make a statement at a later date.