§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will bring forward legislation to repeal the Baking Industry (Hours of Work) Act 1954;
(2) what discussions he has had with the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers regarding the Baking Industry (Hours of Work) Act 1954.
§ Mr. MayhewMy right hon. Friend met the representatives of the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers on 4 June 1979 when it asked that the Baking Industry (Hours of Work) Act 1954 be repealed.
It is one of the "relevant statutory provisions" of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. I have informed the chairman of the Commission of my view that the operation of the Act is anomalous and unsatisfactory, and I have asked the Commission to give urgent consideration to whether night work in baking needs regulation any longer, on health and safety grounds, and if so how it should be done; and to advise me. It is consulting on the matter.