HC Deb 21 May 1942 vol 380 cc343-4
11. Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now see his way to revise the Order extending the hours of juveniles in the cotton industry?

Mr. Bevin

This matter is under constant review, but the situation in the cotton spinning mills at the moment is such that I cannot hold out any hope of an early cancellation of this Order. Care will be taken, however, to limit the actual operation of the Order to cases where this is essential for war requirements.

Mr. Lindsay

This question has been under review for some time. Does my right hon. Friend think that the employment of these juveniles for longer hours is really vital to the war effort?

Mr. Bevin

I should not have agreed to it if it were not. I hated doing it.

Mr. Edmund Harvey

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any medical reports as to the health of these juveniles, and will he keep in view medical reports about their health?

Mr. Bevin

I keep constantly in touch with the authorities, and I have had no adverse report up to now. I am watching the matter carefully.

Mr. Thorne

I started work at seven, and look at my health.

Forward to