HC Deb 29 March 1897 vol 47 cc1563-4
Mr. WOODS

I beg to ask the Secretary of state for the Home Department, if his attention has been called to the case of a servant girl, named Roberts, who brought a case into the Marylebone County Court, on 3rd March 1897, for the recovery of £1 8s 4d., being one month's wages due to her from her employer; whether he is aware that this servant gave the customary notice at the end of the month; that the employer refused to pay her wages for the month worked; and that Judge stonor, who tried the case, gave a verdict to the employer with costs; and whether, seeing that this decision is in direct opposition to domestic servants, he can take any course of action that will give greater authority to the custom now recognised?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

I have seen a newspaper report of the case, but I am unable to say whether the facts are correctly stated in the Question. My jurisdiction does not extend to civil cases, and I have no power to take the action which I understand the hon. Member to suggest.