§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children under school leaving age are in part-time employment; what are their earnings; if he is satisfied with the safeguards which prevent the exploitation of such children as regards their pay or conditions of work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonInformation is not held centrally on the number of children under school leaving age in part-time employment; nor on their earnings.
The Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and local authority byelaws made under the Act regulate the circumstances and conditions under which children may be 579W employed. I am satisfied that these provide sufficient powers to local education authorities for the protection of children.
The levels of pay which children receive are not controlled by legislation but are a matter for negotiation and agreement between the parties concerned.