HC Deb 28 February 1901 vol 90 cc46-7
MR. COGHILL (Stoke-upon-Trent)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware, of the dissatisfaction that is felt amongst all classes of the Staffordshire Potteries with the suggested new rules; will he state who drew them up and who is responsible for their production; and will he, in view of the condemnation they are receiving at the hands of every practical person engaged in the manufacture of china and earthenware, take an early opportunity of withdrawing them.

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE, Croydon)

I am not aware of any such general dissatisfaction as my hon. friend suggests, though objections have been taken to the new rules. The rules were drawn up by the officials of my Department, and I am responsible for their production. I see no reason for withdrawing the rules. The objections must now, in accordance with the statutory provisions on the subject, be settled by arbitration.

MR. COGHILL

Why was no notice of the new rules given to the operatives in the district?

*MR. RITCHIE

They are as fully aware of the rules as the manufacturers.

MR. COGHILL

They got no notice.