HC Deb 18 March 1937 vol 321 cc2238-9
23. Mr. Walkden

asked the Home Secretary whether he has given consideration to the report of the Departmental Committee on the Hours of Employment of Young Persons in unregulated occupations; and whether he intends to give legislative effect to the Committee's recommendations?

35. Mr. Denman

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the statement in the report of the Committee on Hours of Employment of Young Persons in unregulated occupations that it is essential that immediate steps should be taken to afford statutory protection to such young persons; whether he will introduce legislation without unnecessary delay; and whether, in particular, he will adopt the recommendation to extend the current Factories Bill so as to include young persons employed in connection with factories, docks and warehouses?

Sir J. Simon

The report of the Committee, which was published only a week ago, is now under careful consideration, but I regret that I am not in a position at present to make any statement.

Mr. Denman

Can my right hon. Friend answer the last part of my question, referring to the current Factories Bill? Are they making up their minds rapidly on that point?

Sir J. Simon

I agree that it would be useful to get a decision in time for the present Factories Bill, but the report is a most important one, it was published only last week and it must be examined thoroughly.

39. Mr. Markham

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet considered the report of the Departmental Committee on the Hours of Employment of Young Persons in certain unorganised occupations; whether the principal recommendations of the Committee could be implemented by by-laws made by local authorities under Section 19 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, and Section 45 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act, 1932; and whether, as these sections cannot become operative until a date appointed by order of the Secretary of State, he now proposes to issue this order?

Sir J. Simon

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to Questions 23 and 35. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the negative.