§ 69. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Home Secretary whether, before agreeing to any exemption from the provisions of the Factories Act covering the hours of labour of young persons, he will consult with the Board of Education, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Labour as to the possible consequences of such action on the education and health of such young persons and the possible effects of the employment of adults in those factories?
§ Sir S. HoareSection 71 of the Factories Act, 1937, provides that regulations permitting the hours of young persons under 16 to exceed 44 in a week in the case of particular classes of factory or processes may be made if the Secretary of State is satisfied, as the result of a public inquiry at which persons affected are entitled to appear, that certain conditions are fulfilled. One of these conditions, which were settled by Parliament after full Debate, is that the increased hours would not be likely to be injurious to the health of the young persons. The question whether, before reaching a final decision as to making any such regulations, I should consult any other Ministers must depend on the circumstances of the particular case 2786 including the findings of the Commissioner who has held the inquiry.
§ Mr. DaviesWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, before he comes to a decision on this case, that in the Lancashire cotton textile industry there is more unemployment and under employment probably than in any other industry in the land?
§ Sir S. HoareI will certainly take that and all other relevant factors into account.