§ MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALDI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the want of regularity and uniformity in applying the Factory Acts to the fish trade, as illustrated in the contraventions of the Act reported in respect of five firms in Aberdeen since September, 1906, which led to no proceedings; and whether, in order to allay the uncertainty which exists in the trade, and to prevent honourable firms being penalised for doing their best to carry on their business within the law, he can say whether the Factory Acts are or are not to be uniformly enforced upon this trade.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI have had the whole question of the application of the Factory Act to the fish-curing trade under my consideration. Certain difficulties have been brought to my notice which were not raised by the industry when Section 41 of the Act was being settled, and I have directed an inquiry to be made during the present season into the conditions of the industry both as regards these points and also as regards other matters connected with the industry, including sanitary conditions which have been engaging the attention of my Department. The proceedings against the firms mentioned in the Question have been dropped pending the inquiry.
§ MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALDIs the Act to be applied or not?
§ MR. GLADSTONEI take it it will be applied, but discretion will be exercised. Perhaps the hon. Member will put another Question down in more definite terms.
§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)Will the inquiry be extended to the fish-curing stations in Scotland?
§ MR. GLADSTONEI think so.