§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of London County Council v. Rorke, heard before Mr. Bros, on 9th September last, in which the magistrate imposed a fine of 1s. upon a coffee house keeper for employing a boy ninety-four hours a week; and whether lie will initiate legislation to increase the minimum penalty which may be exacted in such cases.
§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLASMy attention had not previously been called to this case; and the magistrate, on being consulted, states that he cannot at this distance of time recall the circumstances in which the fine was inflicted. I have no evidence that inadequate fines are inflicted in the Metropolitan Police Courts for offences under the Shop Hours Acts, 238 and I am not prepared to introduce the legislation suggested by the hon. Member.