61. Viscountess ASTORasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether in view of the influx of juveniles into the labour market, he can offer any prospect of legislation to control the hours and conditions of work of the 300,000 juvenile workers left outside the scope of the Shops Act, 1934?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)I am afraid that no such legislation will be practicable during the current Session, and I am not in a position to make any further statement at present. I can, however, assure the Noble Lady that the matter has not been and will not be overlooked.
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that when we were in Committee on the Children Bill the Government practically promised that they would bring in legislation to deal with this matter? There are 300,000 of these juveniles in unregulated trades, some working as many as 74 hours per week. Will he also remember that the House is in favour of dealing with these 1945 Children and that there is a moral obligation on the Government to deal with the matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have tried to make it clear to the Noble Lady that these matters are under consideration. I cannot make any definite statement regarding it, but I can assure the hon. Member that the matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that employers can always get the better of regulations unless there is a strong trade union to look after them?