Employment of Children.

Oral Answers to Questions. – in the House of Commons at on 7 March 1940.

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Photo of Mr George Hall Mr George Hall , Merthyr Tydfil Aberdare

asked the Home Secretary how many local education authorities in England and Wales have prohibited the employment of schoolchildren under the age of 13 during term time; and how many have extended this prohibition to school holidays?

Photo of Sir John Anderson Sir John Anderson , Combined Scottish Universities

Sixty-nine local education authorities have made by-laws prescribing 13 as the age below which children are not to be employed. This prohibition applies both to term time and holidays.

Photo of Mr George Hall Mr George Hall , Merthyr Tydfil Aberdare

asked the Home Secretary how many local education authorities in England and Wales have by-laws permitting the employment of schoolchildren during holidays in harvesting or other agricultural operations for periods up to four hours per day and over four hours per day, respectively; and which authorities permit such employment for six, seven or eight hours per day?

Photo of Sir John Anderson Sir John Anderson , Combined Scottish Universities

Copies of the by-laws made by local authorities relating to the employment of children are filed in the Home Office. I am having these by-laws examined, and I will send the hon. Member the information for which he asks, so far as it can be ascertained.

Photo of Mr George Hall Mr George Hall , Merthyr Tydfil Aberdare

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that local authorities do not go back on the legislation which has been passed in the last few years affecting child life, either during term time or during the holidays?

Photo of Sir John Anderson Sir John Anderson , Combined Scottish Universities

As long as local authorities exercise the powers which have been conferred upon them by Parliament, I am not in a position to take action.