§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the main areas of work in which children are illegally employed (a) generally, and (b) in the entertainment industry; and what action they are taking to terminate such employment.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleThe Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920 prohibits the employment of children in industrial undertakings. The Health and Safety Executive has powers to284WA enforce this Act and to take immediate action if a child is found to be working in any such employment; and through its Agricultural Inspectorate, to enforce legislation which prohibits the employment of children in certain agricultural occupations.
The Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and local authority by-laws made under that Act lay down conditions which prohibit and restrict the hours and occupations in which children may work in non-industrial undertakings and give powers of enforcement to local authorities.
The Children and Young Persons Act 1963 and the Child (Performances) Regulations made under that Act govern the employment of children in the entertainment industry. Except in certain circumstances, such as school performances, a child may not take part in any performance without a licence granted by the local authority. Licences are subject to detailed restrictions governing the hours and conditions of employment and to other restrictions governing the hours and conditions of employment and to other restrictions which the local authority may impose in the interests of the child's health and welfare.