§ 69. Mr. WALTER BAKER (for Mr. W. THORNE)asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a Report from His Majesty's inspector of factories for the Warrington area in connection with the recent prosecution of a firm for violating the Factories Act by employing boys under the age of 16 years after 8 p.m.: what is the number of times the firm has been summoned by the factory inspector; and whether there are any special Home Office orders or regulations in operation affecting firms which are constantly disregarding the Factories Acts?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has received a report on this case and finds that in addition to being prosecuted as mentioned in the question the firm were prosecuted and convicted in 1926 and 1921 for failure to fence machinery, and in 1915 for illegal employment of young persons. There are no Orders or Regulations of the kind referred to by the hon. Member, but provision is made in the Act itself for increased penalties in cases where a second or subsequent conviction takes place within two years from the last conviction for the same offence.
§ Mr. MACKINDERMay I ask whether these increased penalties were imposed?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONThat is a matter for the Courts.
§ Sir V. HENDERSONThere is always inspection after prosecution to see that what was wrong has been put right.
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHIn view of these repeated offences, will the Under-Secretary consider the question of taking over these factories?