§ 68. Mr. Denmanasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the charges made of excessive employment of children at home on industrial work; whether he can give any information as to the extent of this practice; and what steps he is taking to stop it?
§ Mr. LloydI am obliged to my hon. Friend for calling attention to this matter, about which no complaints have reached the Home Office. In 1931, as the result of an inquiry, it was reported by the education authorities that 652 boys and girls aged 12–14 were employed in industrial work at home within the limits allowed by the law. My right hon. Friend is proposing to ask the education authorities in the near future for information as to the application of the law as amended by the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, and this information will include the point now raised.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsHas the attention of the hon. Gentleman been called to the growing practice of dismissing young lads and girls at 18 years of age and employing children of 14 and 15 in their places?
§ Mr. MacquistenWould it not be better for the Government to consider taking steps to prevent children being employed?