§ Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary if he has received a resolution, signed on behalf of shopkeepers, the public and shop-workers, protesting against the suggested repeal of the Shops Act, 1920; whether he is aware that at the present time juvenile shop-workers can be employed up to 74 hours per week; and whether he will consider in any amending legislation the introduction of a Clause to alter the working hours of all workers in shops to 48 hours per week?
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§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have received a number of resolutions in favour of the continuance of the Act of 1920, though I cannot trace the one referred to by the hon. Member. The Act of 1912 fixes a maximum weekly limit of 74 hours including mealtimes for young persons under 18 employed in or about a shop. As to the last point, consideration of any proposals for amending legislation must, I think, be deferred until I have received the Report of the Departmental Committee, which is now inquiring into the question of the continuance of the Early Closing Acts.