§ SIR CHARLES DILKETo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the decision given at Stourbridge, and quoted in the Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories, that all proceedings under the Truck Act affecting persons employed in factories and workshops must be taken by His Majesty's Inspectors of Factories; and, if so, will he say whether steps were taken to appeal against that decision; and, if so, with what result.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers Douglas). The decision referred to was brought to my notice; but, as the case was not one to which the Home Office was a party, my Department had no power to appeal against the decision. I cannot think that the decision of the justices was right, and I believe that, as stated in the Memorandum on the Truck Acts issued by the Home Office, a prosecution under those Acts may be instituted by anyone. I have no reason to suppose that the view taken by the justices in this case is generally held.