§ MR. HODGE (Lancashire, Gorton)To ask Mr. Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to cases recently decided, enforcing agreements restraining canvassers and other employees from following after they have left their employment by summary dismissal or otherwise a similar calling within a wide area round large and important towns in the north of England; and whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to deal with this matter.
(Answered by Sir Lawson Walton.) My attention has been called to the cases referred to. The rule of law provides that the Court shall say whether the restriction upon the further employment of a canvasser, or other agent, after the end of his service is greater than is reasonably necessary for the protection of the employer whose service he has left. This is, in my opinion, sound, but the application of the rule may vary in different cases; and if the decisions of the County Courts or other tribunals are unsatisfactory, there is a remedy by appeal. I do not think there is necessity for further legislation.