§ 68. Mr. Ridleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young persons are covered by the inquiries now being conducted in Manchester and Leeds, respectively, as to the hours of employment of young persons in the cotton and woollen industries?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)These inquiries, which relate to the question of permitting the employment of young persons under 16 for more than 44 hours a week, cover the cotton and woollen industries generally. Whether longer hours than 44 should be permitted, if at all, for such young persons throughout those industries, or only for certain classes of factory or certain processes, is a matter for investigation by the Commissioners holding the inquiries, who have not yet completed their work.
§ Mr. RidleyCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me how many young persons are covered by the employers' application?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir, I have not got the number:
§ Mr. RidleyI am sorry to press the Home Secretary, but can he not tell me the number of young persons involved?
§ Sir S. HoareI have told the hon. Member in the answer to the question that they will be the young people employed generally in the cotton and woollen industries. I have not got the number.
§ Mr. RidleyMay I, with your indulgence. Sir, ask the Home Secretary whether, since it is obvious that the number of young persons involved in these inquiries must be not only considerable but considerably greater than was contemplated by the Act, he will consult the House before making his decision in connection with the application?
§ Sir S. HoareI am carrying out, both in the letter and in the spirit, the Factories Act passed last year. A commission of investigation is sitting on the matter, and I do not think I can express an opinion on the merits of the case until I get the report of that inquiry.