HC Deb 17 June 1937 vol 325 cc532-3
9. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of there being no regulations governing hours of employment for persons employed either as attendants or as operators at cinematograph theatres, he will consider appointing a committee to hold a comprehensive investigation into this subject?

Mr. E. Brown

No, Sir, but I propose myself to institute inquiries into the matter.

Mr. Day

Has it been brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice that many employés in cinemas work 16 and 17 hours a day?

Mr. Brown

A number of facts have been brought to my notice.

Mr. Day

When will the inquiry take place?

Mr. Brown

I have instituted inquiries. I am now considering the best way of getting the facts measured and weighed.

Mr. Lawson

Has not the right hon. Gentleman already got material as the result of the inquiry some years ago? Why does he not act upon that? Is he not aware that that inquiry was taken in co-operation with cinematograph employés?

Mr. Brown

I am making fresh inquiries.

Mr. Lawson

Why does the right hon. Gentleman want a fresh inquiry when he has already had one?

Mr. Brown

Because that is several years old.