§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to take any steps for carrying out the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into the condition of the home workers in connection with the linen and cognate trades in Belfast and district in so far as the recommendations fall within the province of the Home Office; and if he has any statement to make in regard to this matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have had the recommendations of the Committee under consideration in so far as they relate to matters within the province of the Home Office. The extension of the Truck Act to outworkers was recommended also by the1320W Truck Committee, and provision will be made for this when legislation on the subject of Truck is undertaken. The Committee's proposals in paragraphs 2 and 3 of their summary of recommendations (page 21 of the report) could not be made compulsory under present powers, and I do not understand the Committee to suggest this, but I propose addressing a circular to the manufacturers calling their attention to the proposals, and impressing on them also the necessity of strict compliance with the law in regard to the points mentioned in paragraphs 5 and 6. I will call the attention of the Irish Government, who are the central authority under the Employment of Children Act for Ireland, to the recommendation in paragraph 7, and will consult with them as to the best means of securing a more effective enforcement by the local authorities of the provisions of the Factory Act as to outworkers' lists.