asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has received a resolution of the Listowel Branch of the Irish Union of Distributive Workers and Clerks calling on the Government to amend the Shops Act, 1912, with special reference to maximum working hours per week, the heating, sanitation and ventilation of shops and offices, and the provision of adequate inspection similar to that provided by the Factories Acts; if so, whether he has considered the matters raised in the resolution and whether he intends to introduce proposals for legislation along the lines suggested in the resolution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Shops Act.
I have received a copy of a resolution of the Listowel Branch of the Irish Union of Distributive Workers and Clerks calling on the Government to amend the Shops Act of 1912 and this resolution reads as follows:—
"That we call upon the Government to amend the Shops Act, 1912 (1) a 40-hour week for all shop workers and clerks; (2) adequate heating, sanitation and ventilation of all shops and offices; (3) the inclusion of rural as well as urban areas within the scope of the Act; (4) enforcement of provisions by a central Government authority; (5) adequate inspectionship similar to that provided by the Factories Act."
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to questions addressed to me on the 28th February last and on the 27th March last, in which I indicated that consideration is being given to the introduction of proposals for legislation to control and regulate the hours and conditions of employment of shop assistants.