HC Deb 28 January 1960 vol 616 c66W
Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the employment of young persons under 16 years of age in the industrial tobacco grading establishments of Northern Rhodesia has ceased since the exemption contained in Government Notice of 1958 expired; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Macleod

The exemption granted to tobacco grading establishments under Northern Rhodesia Government Notice No. 151 of 1958 was renewed under Government Notice No. 193 of 26th June, 1959.

Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give an estimate of the number of young persons under 16 years of age and children, respectively, who are employed on tobacco grading on farms in Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. Macleod

About 1,875 young persons between the ages of 12 and 16 are employed on tobacco grading on farms at the height of the season between February and April. Many of these are the children of farm-workers. At other times of the year the number is much less. No children under 12 years of age are employed on such work at any time.