HC Deb 05 April 1939 vol 345 cc2773-5
50. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a law was enacted in 1933 by the Legislative Council of British Guiana to regulate the employment of children and young persons; that this enactment was promulgated only in April, 1938, and up to the present no regulations have been issued for its application; and what is the explanation for the non-application of this enactment passed in 1933?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not aware of the reasons for the delay in bringing the Ordinance into operation.

Mr. Riley

Am I to take it that this Act has not been in operation, although it was passed in 1933? Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reasons why it has taken six years for the Act to be put into operation?

Mr. MacDonald

The Act is in operation to-day, but the regulations have not yet been made under some of its sections. Quite recently a Labour Department was established in the Colony, and no doubt it will be its duty to advise the Governor as to what regulations may be necessary.

Mr. Riley

Is any specific officer charged with the duty of seeing that the Act is actually applied?

Mr. MacDonald

Yes, Sir. I think that will come under the authority of the labour officer.

51. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that children under 12 years of age are being employed on sugar estates in Trinidad, Barbados, and British Guiana; that at certain periods of the year these children are employed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; whether the employment of children below 12 years of age on sugar estates in the Islands mentioned is legal; and whether any officials are charged with the duty of preventing violations of the law?

Mr. MacDonald

In Trinidad the law prescribes that a child under the age of 12 shall not be employed in any occupation. But whilst there is legislation fixing 12 as the minimum age for the admission of children to industrial employment in Barbados and British Guiana, there is no similar legislation fixing a minimum age for employment in other occupations. I have already brought the desirability of making such legislation to the notice of the Government of Barbados and British Guiana and I am awaiting their replies. A Labour Department has already been set up in British Guiana, and these departments are also in process of being established in the other two Colonies. It will be the duty of these departments to see that any laws governing the employment of children are observed.

Mr. Riley

May I take it that the statements made in the question are correct, and that children under 12 years of age are being employed in these islands? Does the right hon. Gentleman regard that as being right?

Mr. MacDonald

I could not vouch for the accuracy of all the statements in the first part of the question. I have already indicated that I have told the Governments of these Colonies that I think it is very desirable that there should be a minimum age for the employment of children in any occupations.

Mr. Ridley

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in considering the terms of new legislation, have regard to what this House in the last two years has decided to be appropriate conditions for the employment of young persons in this country, and will he see that the employment conditions in the Colonies are brought into harmony?

Viscountess Astor

Will my right hon. Friend let the Colonies know that we think 12 years of age is a little too young for children to work in any country?