HC Deb 29 June 1939 vol 349 cc620-2
73. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Home Secretary the number of applications received under the Factories Act since 25th April last to exempt employers from the provisions limiting the hours of labour of young persons, and the names and addresses of the applicants?

Mr. Peake

My right hon. Friend has received a considerable number of applications from individual firms, groups of employers and associations of varying size and scope, for regulations under Section 71 of the Factories Act to allow more than 44 working hours a week for persons under 16 after the end of this month. The great majority have been refused or withdrawn, and I do not think that any good purpose would be served by giving a list of all those applicants; but I am circulating a table showing the classes of factory as respects which inquiries have been directed under the Section, with information as to the cases in which the reports of the Commissioners have been received and their findings, and as to the dates fixed for the remaining inquiries.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that a considerable number of employers of young people are using this Clause to avoid their responsibilities and to keep lads and girls working for over 44 hours a week?

FACTORIES ACT— SECTION 71.
PUBLIC INQUIRIES DIRECTED TO BE HELD
(Up to Wednesday, 28th June, 1939.)
Class of factory.
Factories in which is carried on the spinning of woollen or worsted yarn or the weaving of woollen or worsted cloth. Report of Inquiry received. Regulations recommended.
Factories in which is carried on the spinning of cotton yarn or the weaving of cotton cloth. Report of Inquiry received. Regulations recommended.
Factories in which is carried on the spinning or weaving of jute. Report of Inquiry received. Regulations not recommended. Application refused.
Factories in which is carried on the spinning, of ramie yarn. Report of Inquiry received. Regulations not recommended. Application refused.
Factories in which is carried on the spinning of yarn for carpets or the weaving of carpets. Report of Inquiry received Regulations recommended.
Factories in which is carried on the bleaching, dyeing, or printing of cotton, rayon, or woollen yarn, or the bleaching, dyeing, printing, or finishing of cotton, rayon, or woollen piece goods. Inquiry held. Report not received.
Factories in which the sole or principal work carried on is the manufacture of biscuits. Application withdrawn.
Factories in which is carried on the manufacture of chocolate or sugar confectionery. Application withdrawn,
Factories in which is carried on the manufacture of paper or paper board, or the process of paper coating. Report of Inquiry received. Regulations not recommended. Application refused.
Factories in which the sole or principal work carried on is printing or bookbinding. Inquiry held. Report not received.
Factories in which is carried on the spinning or weaving of flax or the bleaching, dyeing, or printing of flax, or the bleaching, dyeing, printing or finishing of linen cloth. Inquiry opened on 28th June.
Factories in which is carried on the spinning of hemp for cordage, or the manufacture of rope or twine or nets. Inquiry to be opened on 4th July.
Factories in which is carried on the spinning or throwing of silk or rayon yarn, or the weaving or printing of silk or rayon fabrics. Inquiry to be opened on 10th July.
Factories in which is carried on the making of felt hats or the making of felt hoods. Inquiry to be opened on 11th July.
Factories in which is carried on the manufacture of bricks, roofing tiles, flooring tiles (quarries), salt glazed sewer pipes, sanitary fireclay goods, architectural terra cotta, or refractory goods of fireclay or silica. Inquiry to be opened on 18th July.
Factories in which is carried on the manufacture of china, earthenware (including sanitary earthenware), earthenware tiles, electrical earthenware, fireclay sanitary ware, jet, rockingham or samian wares, or floor tiles. Inquiry to be opened on 25th July.
Factories in which is carried on the manufacture of insulated electrical cables. Date of Inquiry not fixed.

Mr. Peake

I have said that a considerable number of applications has been received; and the table which I am going to circulate will, I think, give the hon. Member all the information he desires.

Following is the table: