§ MR. J. WILSON (Durham, Houghton-le-Spring)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he is aware that on some of the "pit banks" near Whitehaven the women are working twelve hours per day; whether such working is a violation of the Mines Regulation Act (Part 1, Sections 6 and 12); and, if so, whether he will order a prosecution in such cases?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. BROADHURST)(who replied) (Birmingham, Bordesley)said: The Secretary of State has been in communication with the Inspector on this subject, and is informed by him that he has already called the attention of the agent of the colliery to which the hon. Member seems to refer to the matter, as, in his opinion, it probably constitutes a 827 violation of the Act of 1872. The Secretary of State is glad to learn from the Inspector that the evil complained of is now remedied, and that accordingly a prosecution is not necessary.