§ 30. Mrs. Hartasked the Minister of Labour what representations have been made to him by trade unions or by the Trades Union Congress to introduce legislation restricting the employment of women for reward during the period following childbirth.
38. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Labour what representations have been made to him about the need for amend- 1348 ing legislation in regard to the employment of women after childbirth; and from which organisations they came.
§ Mr. HareIn March, 1961, the Trades Union Congress asked for provision to be made in the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Bill, prohibiting the employment of women for seven weeks after childbirth.
§ Mrs. HartWhat representations has the right hon. Gentleman received in relation to the Private Member's Bill introduced by the noble Lord the Member for Hertford (Lord Balniel)? Has he received representations from women associated with the T.U.C. or from other women's organisations opposing it?
§ Mr. HareNo. The representations I have received were from the T.U.C. It was thought that this matter would be better dealt with in the Bill introduced by my noble Friend than in the Government's Measure.
§ Dame Irene WardWill my right hon. Friend accept the suggestion that, since a Bill which takes a great deal of understanding is likely to cause some concern, it would be more helpful if women Members on both sides of the House were consulted before it was introduced?