HC Deb 24 July 1951 vol 491 cc181-2
13. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce legislation to control the hours of work in industry.

Mr. Lee

I see no necessity for introducing further legislation on this matter.

Mr. Remnant

May it be assumed from that reply that the hon. Gentleman has no aversion whatever to firms working five days a week, and if that be so, can he explain why traders who work five days a week are being asked to open on Saturdays in order to receive goods carried by British Road Services, while traders opening on Saturdays are being asked not to deliver goods to the railways on that day?

Mr. Lee

The Government do not wish to interfere with the arrangements that are made between employers and trade unions as to how the work in industry may be carried out. We cover young people and women by legislation, but I would not like to extend that by any means.

Mr. Remnant

I hope the nationalised industries will take note.