§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he is aware that, so far back as July last, the Inspector of Factories had evidence of gross breaches of the Truck Act at Harlesden, by the payment of wage to brickmakers otherwise than in current coin of the realm; and, if he will state why no prosecution has taken place?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Yes, Sir; I am aware that the Chief Inspector of Factories reported that the Truck Act had been infringed under the circumstances mentioned in the Question. The Report was referred to the Treasury Solicitor, with directions to prosecute if there was a reasonable prospect of obtaining a conviction. The Treasury Solicitor, after making very careful inquiries, advised that, in view of the difficulty of obtaining a conviction, it would not be expedient to undertake a prosecution. I have directed the Inspector to keep careful watch.