HC Deb 20 July 1939 vol 350 cc697-9
13. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of firms, including Messrs. Lusty and Sons, Limited, of Bow, and Messrs. Osram, etc., have reduced the wages of their workers between the age of 14 and 16 years when the new Factories Act came into force; and, as such action is contrary to the purpose of the Act, whether anything has been done to draw the attention of these firms to that fact?

32. Mr. Jenkins

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some employers are informing their employ's under the age of 16 that, as a result of the Factories Act, 1937, their hours of work will be reduced to 44 per week and their wages reduced in proportion; and whether any steps are being taken to prevent the lowering of the standard of wages to persons whose hours of labour are reduced by the Factories Act?

Mr. Brown

I have no specific information concerning cases of the kind alleged in the questions, and I understand that the Act confers no authority on the Secretary of State to intervene in regard to the rates of wages to be paid in the new circumstances arising when the hours are reduced. There will, I presume, be an opportunity for raising the matter in the Debate arranged for to-morrow.

Mr. Gallacher

The Minister says that he has no definite information. Will he communicate with the firm and let them understand that it is against the desires of the Minister and this House that wages should be reduced because hours have been reduced?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member must understand that there are other considerations which have to be taken into account.

Mr. Jenkins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of employers in the Birmingham district have circulated a statement to these people to the effect that their wages will be reduced proportionately with the reduction in working hours?

Mr. Brown

I am not responsible for this particular Act, but on the industrial side I shall be glad to receive information.

78. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the provisions of Subsection (1) of Section 71 of the Factories Act, 1937, are now operative in all cases other than those in which an application for exception is under consideration under Sub-section (2) of that Section?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is advised that Sub-section (1) is now in force in all cases other than those for which a public inquiry has been directed into the question of an exception but no decision has yet been given.

Mr. Mander

Is the Minister aware that in some of these cases because the hours have been reduced the wages have been reduced, tco, and does he consider that that is in accordance with the spirit of the Act?

Mr. Peake

That is not a question for the Home Office. It should be put to the Minister of Labour.

82. Mr. Ridley

asked the Home Secretary how many young persons are covered by the applications made under Section 71 of the Factories Act by the bleaching and dyeing, and printing and bookbinding trades; and whether it is proposed to issue regulations in these cases?

Mr. Peake

I can give only a rough estimate of the position as it was a year ago, when there were about 5,000 young persons under 16, of whom about 3,000 were over 15, employed in the textile bleaching and dyeing industry, and about 30,000, of whom about 18,000 were over 15, in the printing and bookbinding trades. The Commssioners who held the public inquiries into these two industries have recommended a 48-hour maximum for those over 15 in the former case, and a 45-hour maximum for those under 16 in the latter. It is proposed to proceed to issue, in draft, regulations based on their findings.

Mr. Ridley

Does that reply mean that a recommendation has been made by the Commissioners in this case that there is no specific information as to the number of young persons covered in the industry?

Mr. Peake

It is extremely difficult to ascertain precisely at any moment the exact number of young persons in a particular industry, because some participants in the industry might not be members of a trade association.

Mr. Benn

Will the House have an opportunity of expressing an opinion about this extension of hours of young people?

Mr. Peake

It certainly will, on the Home Office Vote to-morrow.

Mr. Benn

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that these regulations require to be confirmed by positive action, and not by discussion?