§ 48. Mr. LEEasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has now received replies to his inquiries of the Sheffield Coal Company, Birley Colliery, respecting the stoppage of the whole of the wages of two men, Grundill and Cowling, for two weeks, in payment of arrears of rent, thereby necessitating their applying to Poor Law guardians for relief; whether he is satisfied that no breach of the Truck Act was treated thereby; and what action he Proposes to take?
§ Commodore KING (Secretary for Mines)I have made inquiries into this case and find that the agreement which was signed by these two men provided for deductions in respect of a number of items, including rent, without any limitation as to amount. Accordingly the deductions made are apparently covered by the exception in Section 23 of the Truck Act of 1831, and no offence would appear to have been committed against any of the provisions of the Truck Acts In these circumstances I do not propose to take any action.
§ Mr. LEEIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the only document they signed was the ordinary contract of rules, which allow for certain deductions and the usual weekly rent?
§ Commodore KINGNo, I have seen the document they signed, and my description of it is perfectly accurate.