§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer given by Baroness Cumberlege on 17th December 1996 (WA 117), whether they accept that the extreme examples of child labour quoted in The Times did in fact occur; and if so, whether they will take steps to encourage local authorities and the Health and Safety Executive to exercise their powers to take action to tackle such problems effectively.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)We have no reason to doubt the veracity ofThe Times' report. Officials work closely with their colleagues in 45WA local authorities, and the Health and Safety Executive, concerning the exercise of their powers on children's employment issues.