HC Deb 25 November 1930 vol 245 c1131W
Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary for Mines how many boys under 16 and under 18 are now working in mines; how many boys at each age were killed and injured during last year; and whether he intends to follow the example of Germany and other countries and prohibit the employment of boys underground in mines?

Mr. SHINWELL

Fourteen is the minimum age adopted in the International Convention dealing with this subject, to which effect was given in the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, 1920, and I am not aware that other countries have fixed a higher statutory minimum age.

Following are the figures:

Below ground. Under 16 years of age. 16 and under 18 years of age.
Number of boys employed in December, 1929. 29,060 41,927
Number killed 40 46
Number disabled for more than 3 days. 7,122 9,434