HC Deb 21 July 1919 vol 118 cc940-1W
Lieut.-Colonel THORNE

asked the Home Secretary if he can see his way clear to extend the Factory and Workshops Acts to the kitchens and sculleries of hotels and restaurants; and if he will take action in the matter?

Mr. SHORTT

It is not proposed to take any steps in the direction suggested, but I shall be happy to consider any information as to the need for further regulation in regard to these premises which the hon. and gallant Member may be able to supply. I may point out that a restaurant kitchen has been held to be a part of a shop within the meaning of the Shops Acts, and an assistant in the kitchen to be a shop assistant for the purposes of those Acts, and so far as sanitation is concerned, I am advised that hotel and restaurant kitchens are "workplaces" within the meaning of the Public Health Acts, and Section 2 of the (Factory Act of 1901,and the local authorities have, therefore, considerable powers for enforcing sanitary conditions in such places.