§ 56. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Home Secretary why there is no apparent compliance with the requirements of the 393 legislation directing that seats should be provided for young women assistants employed in the large London stores; how many inspectors are employed on the enforcement of the legislation; whether he will circulate information as to the number of prosecutions under the Act, the number of convictions, and the penalties imposed; and whether inspectors are or will be instructed not to go round the shops on their inspection in the company of the manager or other representative of the shopkeeper?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe administration of the Shops Acts rests not with me but with the local authorities. I have, however, made inquiry of the authorities responsible in London, and I am informed that there is no evidence of any general failure to provide seats for female shop assistants. I am informed also that there are 20 full time and eight part time shops inspectors in London, and that two prosecutions were taken during 1934 in that area for failure to provide seats, convictions being obtained in each case and fines of £1 and 10s. respectively imposed. As regards the last part of the question, I am bringing the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the local authorities concerned.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is not only a problem of providing seats for female assistants but opportunities for them to sit upon them.
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman also realise that a fine is absolutely inadequate, and will he please see that the inspectors do not let the shopkeepers know that they are going round before they inspect? Otherwise, it is quite useless.