§ 1. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made respecting the inquiry into the hours and conditions of employment of cinema employées?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)Inquiry forms have been sent to all cinemas asking for particulars of the 2 wages and working hours of each of the workers employed during the week ended 23rd October. As the number of cinemas to whom inquiries have been addressed is over 4,800, and the forms ask for a considerable amount of detailed information, it will be some time before the investigation can be completed.
§ Mr. ShortDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is necessary to fix a time limit for the replies?
§ Mr. BrownNo, I would not do that because I am having considerable assistance from the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association, who are recommending their members to supply the desired information.
Viscountess AstorIs it not the fact that the Departmental Committee showed that there are hundreds of these children working over 60 hours a week, and some of them 12 and 15 hours a day; and with that knowledge, is it really necessary to wait to have an inquiry?
§ Mr. BrownThe Noble Lady emphasises certain points, but I would remind her that the conditions in these 4,800 undertakings vary very greatly. It is because I find that we have not enough information that I want precise, exact and up-to-date information.
Viscountess AstorIf they found that 200 out of a thousand were working over 60 hours a week, and some of them 15 and 20 hours a day, should not something be done about it at once?
§ Mr. BrownThe Noble Lady will understand that it is because I want the information that I am now making this inquiry.