§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what control is exercised over the employment of children in tobacco grading and packing establishments in Northern Rhodesia: and by what regulations.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydControl is exercised by means of inspections which are carried out by Labour Officers. In addition to the control exercisable through the Women, Young Persons and Children Ordinance, the Employment of Natives Ordinance provides sanctions for ensuring that conditions of work are of a reasonable standard.
§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is now the intention of the Government of Northern Rhodesia to renew the exemption given in Government Notice No. 151 of 1958 which allows children of 12 years of age to be employed in tobacco grading establishments and sales floors.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe matter has not yet been considered by the Government of Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what regulations are proposed to be made to protect children employed in tobacco grading establishments and sales floors in Northern Rhodesia from heavy lifting work in the forthcoming season.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNone. Children employed in tobacco grading establishments in Northern Rhodesia are employed only on light duties within their physical capabilities they are engaged mainly in the lying of tobacco into "hands" which is a sedentary occupation requiring only8W manual dexterity. There are no tobacco sales floors in Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the grading and packing of tobacco is defined as an agricultural undertaking in Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe grading and packing of tobacco is regarded as an industrial undertaking when the firm or organisation which does it is engaged wholly or mainly on such work. Where the grading of an employer's tobacco, grown by himself, is carried out on his own premises, it is regarded as an agricultural operation and as such is outside the definition of "industrial undertaking" contained in the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Ordinance.