§ 30. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Home Secretary the number of school children employed for gain out of school hours; and whether it is on the increase?
§ Sir S. HoareReturns furnished by the education authorities in England and Wales show that the number of school children over the age of 12 who were employed on the 31st December, 1937, was 76,546 or 7.27 per cent, of all the children in that age-group. Similar returns in 1931 showed that the corresponding figure was 63,308 or 7.33 per cent, of the children then in that age-group.
§ Mr. DaviesIn view of those figures showing an increase in the number of these children employed, is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to take some steps to prevent the exploitation of school children, when we have so many other people unemployed?
§ Sir S. HoareThe hon. Gentleman will see from my answer that the percentage has remained constant over these years—7.27 in this year and 7.33 in 1931, but I will take into account what he says in his supplementary question.
§ Mr. DaviesWill the right hon. Gentleman also take into account that during that period there has been a great improvement in the law regarding the conditions of young people employed in industry?
Viscountess AstorWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that although we are telling this nation to keep fit, it is almost impossible for these children to work and learn at the same time?
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsHow many children are engaged in distributing the "Daily Herald" and other newspapers?
§ Mr. MacquistenWill those who object to it make up the difference to the poor children who lose the money?