16. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is taking adequate steps to prevent the unregulated employment of young persons of school age; and whether he will issue a set of model by-laws whereby local authorities can regulate such labour, thus securing the advantages of additional output while guarding against deterioration of child health?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)I have been asked to reply. The employment of children of school age is already regulated by Section 18 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, and the by-laws made by local authorities under that Section. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the model by-laws which a great majority of local authorities have already adopted, and also a copy of a recent circular to local authorities.
Mr. AdamsDo I take it that the Minister is aware that there is still a considerable amount of unemployment of that character?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt ought not to be so, because the Act gives the relevant authorities appropriate powers, and the Act has been called attention to in the recent circular.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the local authorities are implementing those by-laws?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am advised that the local authorities have adopted them. I cannot say whether they are fully implemented in each case, but I think the best remedy there is for local public opinion to take the matter up.
17. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider holding an inquiry into the effects of continuous night employment upon the health and output of male young persons between 16 and 18 years of age?
§ Mr. BevinSpecial inquiries have already been instituted as to whether the more extensive night employment of youths between 16 and 18 under war conditions is producing ill-health or undue fatigue. The matter will continue to be closely watched and my hon. Friend may rest assured that if ill-effects are found to be resulting appropriate action will be taken.
Mr. AdamsDoes not the Minister agree that continuous night employment of persons of that age must be detrimental to them?
§ Sir Francis FremantleDoes the work of the Industrial Health Research Board continue, in spite of the fact that the Secretary has other duties?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir. Inquiries are being carried on continuously by the experts on the Industrial Health Research Board, and none of the work has been stopped, in spite of the extra duties which exist.