Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Health if he will set up a commission of inquiry to ascertain the condition under which shop assistants work and live on business premises with a view, if considered necessary, to an introduction of special legislation to ensure decent conditions of labour, rest, and properly ventilated premises, bearing in mind the success of such legislation in New Zealand?
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§ Mr. SHORTTMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have no information to show that such an inquiry as suggested is necessary at the present time. No complaints have reached me on the subject. The conditions of employment in shops have materially improved in recent years, largely as a result of the legislation of 1911 in regard to the weekly half-holiday and earlier closing; and the question of further improvements will no doubt come under the consideration of the Trade Boards which are being established by the. Ministry of Labour for various sections of the retail trades. and which will have power to make recommendations with regard to the industrial conditions of the trade. Further legislation in regard to early closing is now before the House.