Mr. HUGH EDWARDSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to a system whereby tradesmen who own house property in places where there is a deficiency of housing accommodation compel their tenants, as a condition of tenancy, to purchase groceries and other supplies from them; and whether, in view of the Truck Acts, he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe practice seems to me objectionable, as unscrupulous persons might take advantage of it to force inferior goods upon their customers at high prices. The practice, however, does not involve any breach of the Truck Acts, which only apply where the relationship of employer and workman exists; and I have no power to interfere in the matter.