HC Deb 04 November 1937 vol 328 cc1116-7
63. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the penalty of 5s., imposed by the magistrates court at Filey recently, in the case of a prosecution by the Shops Act inspector for working a girl of 17 to the extent of 73¾ hours a week, excluding meals, instead of the legal limit of 48; and whether he will send a circular to magistrates calling their attention to the desirability of dealing severely with such offences?

Sir S. Hoare

My attention had not previously been drawn to this case. The question what penalty it may be appropriate to impose for an offence is a matter for the discretion of the magistrates in the circumstances of each particular case. I may add that I am not aware of any general complaint of failure of magistrates to deal adequately with offences against the Shops Act, 1934, in relation to employment of young persons. I should be going outside my province if I were to attempt to issue any such circular to magistrates as the hon. Member suggests.

Mr. Mander

Is it not obvious that in this case the penalty inflicted was totally inadequate for such a glaring offence?

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