§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been called to the fact that several of the girls employed at Messrs. Bryant and May's, and now on strike, have stated that they are prepared to declare on oath that they have been fined recently; and, whether, inasmuch as such fines are contrary to the law, he will make inquiries into the truth of this allegation?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am not aware of the facts suggested in the hon. Member's Question. If the hon. Member will furnish me with the names of those out of the 1,500 girls employed by this firm who allege that they have recently been fined contrary to law, I will direct the Inspector to inquire into these allegations. The Inspector's inquiries have not at present resulted in ascertaining that there has been a breach of the law. I repeat that if the hon. Member will furnish me with a few names there shall be an inquiry.
§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAMsaid, the right hon. Gentleman had not answered the last part of the Question. He should be happy to furnish him with names.
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have answered it. There are 1,500 girls employed; but if the hon. Member will furnish me with only the names of a few I will inquire. The Inspector has seen a great many of the girls; but, at present, he has not ascertained that there has been any breach of the law.
§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)I will furnish the right hon. Gentleman with a dozen cases in the month of June.