§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what consultations have taken place with local authority associations on the implementation of regulations for the employment of children under the 1973 Act, and what plans he now has to introduce such regulations;
(2) if he will issue advice to local education authorities to circulate schools in their area, giving guidance on reasonable conditions for the employment of school children.
§ Sir George YoungConsultations with local authority associations took place in September 1975, as a result of which it was decided to defer making regulations for two years. At the end of 1977, the associations were consulted again. My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales concluded that they would not be justified in introducing regulations at this stage. Local authorities are already aware of the contents of the proposed regulations and are free to make or amend byelaws accordingly. I am considering whether any further guidance to authorities is needed.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the number of schoolchildren in recent years killed and injured as a result of their employment; and if he will give a breakdown in the Official Report.
§ Sir George YoungI regret that this information is not available.