HC Deb 01 October 1942 vol 383 cc904-5
17. Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will revise the arrangements under which a boy of 14 years of age is compelled to remain in an essential industry which may be injurious to his health and an unsatisfactory first placement?

Mr. Bevin

The arrangements already provide that such a boy may apply to the National Service Officer for permssion to leave his employment and, if necessary, may appeal to an appeal board. I am not aware that this procedure is not working satisfactorily, but if my hon. Friend has an individual case in mind and will send me particulars I will look into it.

Mr. Lindsay

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that as juvenile advisory committees are not, in many cases, meeting now, a number of these boys are wrongly placed at first and are not aware of their rights? Perhaps I may send the right hon. Gentleman a few examples?

Mr. Bevin

The whole question of the stimulation of juvenile committees and the intensification of their functions is now under consideration.