HC Deb 03 May 1889 vol 335 c1086
MR. BROADHURST (Nottingham)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that some building firms in Nottingham are exacting compulsory weekly contributions from their workmen's wages for the purpose of forming sick and accident funds; and, if so, whether stoppages of this kind constitute a violation of the Truck Act?

MR. MATTHEWS

My attention has not been called to any specific breach of the Truck Act in Nottingham, but I have directed the Inspector to make inquiries. With regard to the legality of the practice referred to, I must refer the hon. Member to the statute, upon the proper construction of which I must decline to give opinions in this House, especially on a question couched in such general terms as that upon the paper?