§ Mr. Reevesasked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make on the subject of night baking.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes. Following representations made to me for the abolition of night baking by the trade unions representing operative bakers employed in the baking industry in England and Wales and in Scotland, I have had discussions with them and with the employers.
As the House will be aware, the Baking Industry (Hours of Work) Act, 1938, made certain provision for restricting the circumstances in which night baking could be carried on. These restrictions have not come into effect as the Act does not come into operation until an Address has been presented to His Majesty by both Houses of Parliament, which has so far not been done. The trade unions have made it clear to me that in the conditions now prevailing, the provisions of the Act are in their view inadequate and I am satisfied, in the light of my discussions with both sides of the industry, that an impartial examination of the whole problem is desirable. Certain important questions are involved affecting the community as a whole and I have therefore consulted with the other Departments concerned. As a result, I have now decided to appoint a Committee to inquire into the matter with the following terms of reference:
To consider the desirability of abolishing or limiting the practice of night baking now prevalent in the Bread Baking and Flour Confectionery Industry, to report on the economic and social consequences and to make recommendations.The Committee will consist of a chairman and independent members not connected with the baking industry, but I am 199W proposing that the industry itself shall be invited to nominate technical assessors who will be available to assist the Committee in its work. I hope to make an announcement soon.