§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that it is the practice of the Gas Light and Coke Company to stop ld. per week from workmen's wages to pay for a copy of the Copartner's Magazine; whether this is a violation of the Truck Act; and, if so, if he intends taking action in the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am informed that a deduction of one penny each month (not each week) is made for this purpose in the case of men who are members of the co-partnership arrangement and assent to the deduction being made. The deduction being made, as I understand, for the purpose of a payment to a third party on the workman's behalf, no offence would appear to be committed against the Truck Acts, having regard to the decision in Hewlett versus Allen.