HC Deb 07 June 1934 vol 290 cc1060-1
11. Mr. BANFIELD

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the prevalence of baking in small dwelling-houses and back shop-premises; and whether he will take steps to see that these places are properly supervised by the factory inspector, and to strengthen the law in this respect?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am aware that baking is carried on in many small premises. These are inspected by the factory inspectors and also by the officers of the local authorities who are responsible for the enforcement of certain special sanitary requirements applicable to bakehouses. They are receiving special attention at present from the factory inspectors in connection with an inquiry which is being made into the hours of the young persons employed there, and on present information no further steps appear to be necessary.

12. Mr. BANFIELD

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of permits given to employers to allow juveniles to commence work in bakeries before 6 a.m.?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Permits are not required for this purpose. Under Section 38 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, male young persons over 16 may be employed in baking bread from 5 a.m. subject to stated conditions, one of which is that notice must be given to the factory inspector. The number of such notices now in force is not available, but, as I have just mentioned, the hours of young persons in bakehouses are being specially investigated during the present year, and when this inquiry is complete I will communicate with the hon. Member.

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to do something about it if he finds that they are employed before six o'clock? Investigation is no use without action.

Mr. THORNE

May I ask whether the Act applies to bakeries where no machinery is used?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I should like to have notice of that question.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

The right hon. Gentleman says that he is going to make inquiries. If he finds that injustice is being done will he take action?

Sir J. GILMOUR

That is a purely hypothetical question.