§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prosecutions have occurred for the illegal employment of children in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [19336]
§ Mr. BowisI understand that the number of defendants prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and the Education Act 1944 in the last three years for which statistics are available was as shown in the table.
England and Wales Offence Description/Legislation 1992 1993 1994 Causing or allowing person under 18 to go abroad to perform for profit [Children and Young Persons Act 1933 sections 25 and 26] 1 — 2 Offences against the [Education Act 1944 sections 58 to 60] including offences against byelaws as to employment of children (except offences relating to mines, factories or workshops) — 2 8 Offences in connection with employment of children and young persons [Children and Young Persons Act 1933 sections 18 to 21 (section 18 as amended by the Children Act 1972)] 12 5 3 Causing or allowing children to take part in entertainments without licence [Children and Young Persons Act 1963 section 40(1)(a)] Total 13 7 13 Source:
Home Office.
In addition, I understand that the number of informations laid under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920, which prohibits the employment of school age children in industrial undertakings was as set out in the following table:
England and Wales Date of hearing1 Informations laid 1992–93 1 1993–94 8 1994–95 2 Notes:
1Years commencing 1 April.
2 Provisional.
Source:
Health and Safety Executive.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on child labour. [19298]
§ Mr. BowisWe have a comprehensive legal system in place to protect the health, welfare and education of children who work.