HC Deb 30 November 1994 vol 250 cc717-8W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has substantially to increase the penalties for employing children or allowing children who are under age to work in factories or businesses.

Mr. Oppenheim

Breaches of the Employment of Women, Children and Young Persons Act 1920, which prohibits children from working in factories, already attract a maximum fine of £5,000. Local byelaws which set strict rules on the employment of children provide for a maximum penalty of £1,000.