asked the Home Secretary, in view of the proposals which have been made for the removal from the Factories Bill of all restrictions on the employment of women which do not apply equally to men, if the Home Office has any information in its possession which throws light on the question whether the protective provisions of the Factory Acts have had the effect of restricting the opportunities for women's employment?

Yes, Sir. I think there is a good deal of information in the possession of my Department which bears on this question, and I shall be willing to lay a memorandum on the Table for the information of the House.