HC Deb 11 March 1937 vol 321 cc1323-4
36. Mr. Kirby

asked the Home Secretary whether he can promise to introduce at an early date legislation designed to abolish the existing practice of night-baking; and whether he can inform the House how his Department is dealing with, or proposes to deal with, this social and industrial problem?

Sir J. Simon

The House has already been informed that I have appointed a Committee, under the Chairmanship of Lord Alness, to inquire into this matter. I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the question of legislation.

Mr. Kirby

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell us when we are likely to get the findings of this Committee?

Sir J. Simon

I cannot say that, but I think I said on the Second Reading of the Bill, and I repeat it now, that I was urging the Committee to report their conclusions as soon as possible, so that in case of need we could take advantage of them before the Factories Bill passed into law.

Mr. Kirby

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give some indication whether we are likely to have to wait three, six or twelve months, or a couple of years, or what time?

Sir J. Simon

I cannot say.