§ * THE EARL OF ABERDEENMy Lords, I beg to move for a Return showing the number of persons whose names are registered as outworkers in accordance with the provisions of the Factory and Workshops Acts, which require that the names of such persons employed in certain specified trades should be returned periodically to the factory inspectors. In bringing forward this motion very few words will be sufficient by way of explanation. Your Lordships may remember that the specified trades which are alluded to in this motion are the following: The making of wearing apparel, files, electroplate, cabinet furniture, upholstery, and fur-pulling. Parliament has thus recognised this system of outworkers, which has attracted a good deal of attention, and, as the system of registering out-workers exists, some record should be given of its results. Something of the same sort exists locally, and I think I am, right in saying that in the Factory Inspector's Report for the Manchester district for 1897 there is included a Return showing the number of outworkers in that district, and also the respective manufactures and employments in which they are engaged. I venture to hope that Her Majesty's Government will grant a Return of a similar kind, only a little more extended in its character, and giving not only the number of workers, but distinguishing the men from the women. A certain amount of time would necessarily he required to prepare this Return, but there is no hurry. if the Return is granted next session I shall be satisfied.
§ LORD BELPEROn behalf of the, Home Secretary I have to gay that there is no objection to giving the information asked for by the noble Earl, but 985 the Secretary of State thinks it would be more satisfactory if the Return is made in the annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories, which is issued in the autumn. It will occasion very little delay, and the Return will be more complete.
§ * THE EARL OF ABERDEENThat will entirely meet the object I have in view, and I will amend my motion in accordance with the noble Lord's suggestion.
§ Moved, That a humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that a statement be included in the next annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories showing the number of persons whose names are registered as outworkers in accordance with the provisions of the Factory and Workshop Acts, which require that the names of such persons employed in certain specified trades should be returned periodically to the Factory Inspectors.—(The Visconnt Gordon, E. Aberdeen.) Agreed to and ordered accordingly.