§ 35. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the New Explosive Company, Stowmarket, who have a contract with the Government, are allowed to lodge knobsticks inside the works and to bring in beer and spirits; if he is aware that Rule 15 at the works states that no person shall bring any beer, spirits, or other intoxicating liquors into any part of the factory; if he is aware that these rules are sanctioned by the Secretary of State, signed by a full colonel His Majesty's Inspector of Explosives, and dated Home Office, Whitehall, 12th May, 1898; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am informed on inquiry that four workmen are lodged in the factory owing to their having been threatened and intimidated outside. They take their meals in the mess-room and are supplied with beer with their supper; but no spirits have been brought in. It has been customary ever since the mess-room was built for men to bring in beer to drink with their meals. The mess-room, though within the boundary, is entirely separated from the factory; and if there be any breach of the Special Rule, it is merely technical. There is no ground upon which action by me could be founded.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that if any of the men have beer or spirits of any kind, they are liable to dismissal, and that on Friday afternoon, 27th January, the police took twenty-four bottles of beer, and whether this was not a breach of the Rules of 1898, under which the firm are liable to be prosecuted for allowing beer to be taken into the works?
§ Mr. McKENNAI was not aware of the circumstances stated by my hon. Friend. I will inquire further.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIf my information is correct, will the Home Secretary prosecute the firm for allowing beer to go into the danger zone?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am not sure if my hon. Friend's information is accurate, that his law is equally right. I am not aware that I have any Dower to prosecute.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not the fact that the Rules of 1898, issued by the Home Office and signed by a colonel, prevents anything of the kind going in?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am not aware whether the remedy is such as my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhat is the good of the rules unless they are enforced?