§ 1. Mr. Denmanasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the allegation before the Sheffield Education Committee that boys of 16 and 17 years of age were working 70 and 80 hours a week and over; and what action he is taking about it?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)Such working hours are illegal in factories, and the reported author of the allegation has been invited to furnish particulars to the factory inspector. He has not so far done so.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayWould my right hon. Friend remember that this is the third week in succession in which questions have been raised about the excessive hours of young people? Would he tighten up the inspectorate?
§ Mr. BevinIf somebody goes into a public place and makes an allegation against somebody else, I must get the facts. I invite the person making the allegation to inform the inspectors, so that I can deal with the matter. Otherwise, I cannot do anything.