§ 12. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to give the reasons for the delay in the application of the law to regulate the employment of children and young persons, passed by the legislative 345 council of British Guiana in 1933; and whether regulations for the application of the law have now been issued and, if so, will he have a copy of the regulations placed in the Library?
Mr. M. MacDonaldWith regard to the first part of the question, I am communicating with the Governor. Some time must necessarily elapse before I receive a report from him. With regard to the second part of the question, I would emphasise that the Ordinance, which itself gives effect to the main principles of the International Labour Conventions governing the employment of children and young persons in industry, is already in operation. With regard to certain details the Governor is empowered to make regulations, and I have asked him to inform me whether any such regulations have, in fact, been made.
§ Mr. RileyDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that six years is a most unreasonable time, and is there any explanation for the delay?
Mr. MacDonaldAs I say, I am in communication with the Governor on the matter, and I would not like to make any statement until I have received a report from him.