§ SIR CHARLES DILKETo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a case in which a woman inspector of factories prosecuted Messrs. Joseph Been and Company, worsted spinners, of Bradford, for allowing three children, of whom one was under thirteen years of age, to clean machinery in motion; whether it is the case that nominal fines were inflicted in two cases and the third dismissed; and what action he proposes to take.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) I have received a Report on this case. Proceedings were taken in respect of three girls, as stated in the Question. The justices convicted in respect of two of the girls, and imposed a fine of £1 with costs in each case. In the third case it was proved during the hearing that the girl, who was thirteen years of age, had obtained a certificate of due attendance at school under Section 71 of the Factory Act, and was, therefore, a young person for the purposes of the Act. I am afraid there is no further action that I can take.