§ MR. RAMSAY MACDONALDI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the men employed on fire wood-cutting at the Church Army Homes in the Metropolis are paid their wages partly in kind; whether deductions are made for other purposes; and, if so, whether, in view of the provisions of Section 5 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1907, he proposes to take any steps to prevent any contravention of the law relating to truck.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI understand that these men are paid piece-work rates, and that a deduction is made from their earnings to cover the cost of their board and lodging. As I have stated in answer to previous Questions on the subject, it is not at all clear that the Truck Acts apply in cases of this kind, and the further consideration of the matter must await the Report of the Truck Committee, which is expected shortly. Section 5 of the Factory Act of last session does not affect the question of the application of the Truck Acts.