HC Deb 26 May 1909 vol 5 cc1356-7W
Mr. SUMMERBELL

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the long hours many clerks are employed at exbibi- tions; that at the Franco-British Exhibition last year the clerks on many occasions were kept employed for hours ranging up to 14 in a day; and whether he will favourably consider the introduction of legislation to deal with this evil at exhibitions?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I have no special information with regard to the hours of work of clerks at exhibitions; but I am aware, of course, that attendants and officials are often detained to a late hour, and I do not see how this can be avoided. I am considering the question of the conditions of employment at exhibitions in connection with the Shops Bill which the Government propose to introduce, but I fear that there would be great difficulty in extending such legislation to clerks.