HC Deb 09 July 1948 vol 453 cc748-50

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. McCorquodale

I wish to make a few brief observations on the employment of women and young persons with which this Clause is associated. Especially in the light of all the experience that we had during the war, it is time that we began to differentiate between women and young persons in our factory legislation. It is a matter which will need a great deal of study and thought on the part of all concerned and we could not possibly suggest that the Government should deal with it in this Bill. Next time a Factories Bill comes up for consideration, whatever Government is in office, I hope we shall consider that women are grown up and are not exactly equivalent to young persons of either sex in regard to how they can work, what they can work at, and what they can and what they cannot do in factories.

12.45 p.m.

As a small example, it has always seemed to me rather hard on women that if a factory is working voluntarily on a Bank Holiday, where, if they wish to work, the operatives will get double time and a day off as well—as they do in many properly regulated industries where work is carried on during a Bank Holiday—the women should not be allowed to join in that work except by getting express permission from the factory inspector. It seems that the privileges or the "perks," to put it colloquially, in the form of extra overtime and things of that sort are denied to women because the House, when they discussed the matter in 1937, thought that it would be bad, probably quite rightly, for young persons. I suggest that, when the time comes for further consideration, the code of the Factories Acts with regard to women should be a separate one from that with regard to young persons.

Mr. Piratin

I should like to say a few words on the topic which the right hon. Gentleman has raised. I think that he has a case in suggesting that we should differentiate—

The Deputy-Chairman

We cannot have a general discussion on any alteration of the Factory Acts. We must keep strictly to the matters contained in this Clause.

Mr. Piratin

Yes, Mr. Beaumont, but we are dealing with Clause 13, and the matter is raised in Subsection (1) which refers to conditions regarding women and young persons. Surely, therefore, we have a right to say a few words on the matter. The right hon. Gentleman made a good point that there should be this differentiation between women and young persons which is not contained in this Subsection or in the principal Act. Another matter must be borne in mind. The right hon. Gentleman cannot have it both ways. Women have been associated with young persons in legal matters of this kind because women have never been considered worthy of adult status in the factory. If that were the case, they would have received pay equal to that of the men.

The Deputy-Chairman

I cannot allow the hon. Member to continue with that argument.

Mr. Piratin

If I am out of Order, it does not matter very much, because I have made a good point.

The Deputy-Chairman

If the hon. Gentleman thinks so, the only thing for him to do is to resume his seat.

Mr. Isaacs

There is something in what the right hon. Gentleman said that is worthy of consideration. In fact, the matter is under consideration at present in international legislation. It is likely that, arising out of those discussions which have been started and which might come to a head in a year or so, this matter will become practical politics before we need to revise the Factories Acts.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 14 to 16 ordered to stand part of the Bill.