Illegal Employment (Children) (Hansard, 19 January 1995)

§ Mr. Nigel Griffiths
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will commission a study of the extent of the illegal employment of children.

§ Mr. Bowis
No. No significant evidence has been submitted to us to suggest that this is a problem in England.

§ Mr. Nigel Griffiths
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the extent of the illegal employment of children as defined by the Employment of Children Act 1973.

§ Mr. Bowis
The framework of protection in England for children who work is contained in the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. Detailed controls are in local authority byelaws. We are aware of no significant evidence that the illegal employment of children is a widespread problem. The situation in Scotland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

§ Mr. Nigel Griffiths
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will review the reporting by proper authorities of suspected illegal employment of children.

§ Mr. Bowis
It is for local authorities to take what action they think necessary to control the employment of children.