HC Deb 01 November 1938 vol 340 cc18-9
38. Mr. Kelly

asked the Home Secretary the number of firms operating the two-shift system, and also the conditions which have been laid down for transport as well as continued education?

Sir S. Hoare

About 1,100 two-shift authorisations are now in force under the Act of 1936. It is now the practice to insert a condition to the effect that if any young person employed in the shifts is desirous of attending a continuation school or class, reasonable facilities shall be afforded by the employer for such attendance, and where it appears that transport difficulties are liable to arise a condition is inserted that the Secretary of State may at any time require the employer to make such special arrangements for the conveyance of workers living at a distance as may be necessary to prevent hardship.

Mr. Kelly

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a list of those firms operating this two-shift system?

Sir S. Hoare

I scarcely think that it would be necessary to publish a list of these 1,100 firms, but if the hon. Member will communicate with me, I will see if there is any further information I can give him.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the conditions which were laid down by the Factory Department are carried out by the employers?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir, I think upon the whole that is the case. We have had no complaints, but I will look into the matter again.