§ *SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether, although the Home Office has hitherto directed prosecutions in cases where shuttles are a source of danger, and has obtained convictions in each case where shuttle guards had not been provided, a decision has just been given by the Recorder of Blackburn which seems to throw doubt upon the law governing such cases; and, whether steps are being taken towards obtaining a reversal of this decision?
§ *SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYIt is the case that the Recorder of Blackburn has recently quashed a conviction 1510 which was obtained against certain cotton manufacturers for neglecting to fence the shuttles in their looms. On the application of the counsel acting for the Home Office, the Recorder has consented to state a case for the decision of the High Court.