§ 56. Mr. SNOWDENasked if it is in accordance with the regulations of the Board that strike breakers may be lodged on works premises; and, if not, what action it is proposed to take against the firm of Henry Livesey and Son, Green-bank Foundry, Blackburn, who have about fifty men living, feeding, and sleeping on the works premises?
§ Mr. LEWISSo far as I am aware, the matter is not one with which my Department is concerned. I have no authority to issue regulations such as are referred to in the question.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre there not regulations to be enforced by the Local Government Board, prescribing that a place must conform to certain by-laws before it can be inhabited?
§ Mr. LEWISI do not know what are the regulations to which my hon. Friend refers. If he will be good enough to specify more clearly the regulations he has in mind, I shall be glad to go into the question.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre there not regulations under the Lodging Houses Act?
§ Mr. LEWISI am not aware there are any regulations affecting the case which the hon. Member has raised.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSAre there not the ordinary legislative requirements with regard to a dwelling, and is there not on record a case where the Local Government Board interfered under the same circumstances?
§ Mr. LEWISThe only way in which the matter could affect the local authority would be with regard to overcrowding. I am not aware of the circumstances in this case, and I do not know whether overcrowding takes place.
§ Mr. CLYNESWill the hon. Gentleman inquire into the circumstances mentioned in the question?
§ Mr. CROOKSHas the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that the Local Government Board did prohibit the use of a ship in the docks for the same purpose, as being insanitary and undesirable? This place must be insanitary. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] Because they have made no preparations for housing.