asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he will take to provide additional safeguards for children employed in pantomimes and other forms of theatrical entertainment.

Proposals for legislation on this subject are being worked out, taking into account the recommendations of the Bateson Committee on the employment of children as film actors, in theatrical work and in ballet; but I cannot yet say when it will be possible to introduce a Bill for this purpose.

Will the Home Secretary bear in mind that the committee to which he referred reported as long ago as 1950, and that some action in the matter is long overdue, especially in view of the recent complaints about working conditions during the last pantomime season, which led most education authorities to make strong representations in the matter?

I will certainly bear that in mind.