§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has for improving the registration arrangements for home workers; if he will increase the penalties for employers failing to register such home workers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John GrantI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) on 9th January 1978.—[Vol. 941, c. 645]. The present penalty of a fine of £20 for failing to comply with the provisions of the Factories Act 1961 relating to home workers will be increased to £50 when further provisions of the Criminal Law Act 1977 come into force.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest estimates available for the proportion of home workers who are effectively being paid less than 30p an hour; what plan he has for quickly reducing this proportion; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John GrantNo estimate is available. On the last two parts of the Question, I am awaiting ACAS reports on two 821W wages councils industries where significant home working is found before considering what further steps can be taken.