Employment of Children Act 1973

HC Deb 21 February 1984 vol 54 cc492-3W

Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will implement the Employment of Children Act 1973.

Mr. Newton

As the hon. Member may be aware, the previous Government carried out consultation with the local authority associations in 1975 and 1977. They concluded that, because of the resource implications for local authorities, the introduction of the Act's provisions would be not be justified. The present Government share that view. I am glad to say, however, that many local authorities have amended their byelaws in the light of the Act.