§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, in May 1885, three convictions were obtained, on the prosecution of the Treasury, against the Rhymney Iron Company, for the infringement of the Truck Act; whether the convictions were appealed against and affirmed, with costs, in December 1885; whether the said Company had been previously convicted for similar offences; whether, pending the appeal, the Rhymney Company kept their truck shop open; whether any other prosecution has since been commenced against the said Company; and, whether he will learn if the Rhymney Company still keep their truck shop open in defiance of the law?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CHILDERS) (Edinburgh, S.)Yes, Sir; two convictions were obtained on the prosecution of the Treasury against the Rhymney Iron Company in May of last year, and the convictions were affirmed, with costs, in December last. I have no information as to any previous conviction having been obtained against this Company. With regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's Question, I have to say that owing to statements that have been made to me recently, to the effect that the Truck Act is still being violated by this Company, though under an altered system, the Inspector of Factories has been instructed to endeavour to procure, and is at the present time engaged in procuring, evidence to be submitted to the Solicitor of the Treasury, who will decide whether the evidence will be sufficient to justify a prosecution.