HC Deb 17 April 1893 vol 11 cc436-7
MR. FENWICK (Northumberland, Wansbeck)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a Circular which has been sent by the firm of Warmington and Company, brass-founders of Belfast, to several employers requesting them to decline to give employment to certain persons, whose names are set forth in the Circular, on account of their having ceased to work for the firm, for reasons set forth in the Circular; and whether such action, and the naming of the individuals, constitutes a. breach of the Law as stated in the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act of 1875; and, if so, whether he will see that the penalty of the law is enforced?

*MR. J. MORLEY

My attention has been called to the Circular, but on looking into it I think it is not a matter which the Government can interfere with. It involves a question of law, with which it is not my duty to interfere.

MR. FENWICK

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the action of employers in sending a Circular to other employers asking them for stated reasons not to employ men whose names are given does not constitute a breach of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875. Is it not a fact that workmen have been repeatedly imprisoned for similar offences?

*MR. J. MORLEY

Will the hon. Member point out the section of the Act under which he thinks the offence is constituted? I am at present advised that it is difficult to find in the working of the Act any justification for his view. It is, however, a legal point with which, as I have said, I am not competent to deal, and I think it would be better to address a question on the subject to the Attorney General.

MR. FENWICK

I will do so.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Is it not a fact that under the late Government it was deemed an offence at Common Law for persons to say to other persons do not employ so and so, or do not supply them with necessaries?

*MR. J. MORLEY

I am informed it was so. Still, this is a matter which should be laid before the Law Officers for their opinion.