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The mothers take a great deal of interest in these convalescent cases and when
invited to bring their children to the clinics for purposes of reinspection attend in
good numbers. The results from even a short stay are generally very satisfactory and
at reinspection the improvement has, in most cases, been maintained. The administrative
arrangements have been in the hands of the West Ham branch of the Invalid Children's
Aid Association for some years, and have this year again been carried out in a most
efficient manner. The personal interest shown by the staff, backed by their experience
of such cases, has been much appreciated.
During the year 106 children were sent to convalescent homes in the way described.
EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS
The law relating to the employment of children may be briefly summarised. The
Seventh Report of the Home Office on the Work of the Children's Department, published
••
in November, 1955 stated that, "The main statutory provisions are contained in Part II of the
Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, as amended by the Education Acts, 1944-48. Section 18
of the Act restricts the employment of children who are not over compulsory school age and,
in general, prohibits their employment if they are more than two years below that age. The
general restrictions contained in Section 18 (1) may be modified by bye-laws which, subject
to confirmation by the Secretary of State, local education authorities have power to make
under Section 18 (2). Bye-laws may impose restrictions additional to those specified in the
Act as to the age below which children may not be employed in the authority's area, and
the hours and conditions of employment of children, and may prohibit their employment in
any specified occupation.n
The present bye-laws regulating the employment of children outside school hours
were adopted by the Council in 1949. These bye-laws made under the Children and Young
Person's Act, 1933, replaced the bye-laws made by the Council in 1934. Important
alterations were:-
(a) No child under the age of 14 years shall be employed.
(b) No child shall be employed on any week-day except from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
provided that the employment during this hour is restricted to the delivery
of milk, bread or newspapers.
Other features of the Regulations are that Sunday is prescribed as a whole holiday
and no child shall be employed on that day. No child taking part in any entertainment in
pursuance of a licence under Section 22 of the Children and Young Persons's Act, 1933,
shall be employed on the day or days of, or on the day following, such entertainment in any
other employment. No child shall be employed in any work out of doors unless he is suitably
shod and is suitably shod and is suitably clad for protection against the weather.
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