§ DR. SHIPMAN (Northampton)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home 530 Department whether he will introduce or support the introduction of a Bill granting compensation to the tenants of underground bakehouses, who have had, or may have, their certificates refused under the Factory and Workshops Act of 1901 from causes over which they, as tenants, have no control.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers Douglas.) The deliberate intention of Parliament was made plain when Section 101 of the Factory Act was passed in 1901, prohibiting the continued use of underground bakehouses after the 1st of January, 1904, unless certified by the District Council to be suitable for the purpose. In addition to the time allowed before this new requirement comes into force, Subsections (7) and (8) of that section provide for an appeal against the refusal of a certificate, and enable a Court, if it thinks fit, on complaint by the occupier, in a case where a certificate cannot be obtained unless structural alterations are made, to adjust the expenses between owner and occupier, or to determine the lease. There appears, therefore, to be no ground for a Bill such as the hon. Member indicates.