§ 10. Mr. LEEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that two men, named Grundell and Cowling, workmen and tenants of the Birley Colliery Company, near Sheffield, resumed work after the 1926 stoppage under an agreement to have 1s. per working shift deducted from their wages for rents accrued during the stoppage; that on the 1st February several men were given notice to leave the employ 392 of the company, Grundell and Cowling amongst them, and on the 17th and 24th February all the wages earned during the two weeks were stopped at the colliery office in payment of rent arrears, and the men had to apply to the guardians for relief; that representations were made to the colliery company, who would not make any allowance whatsoever, but took immediate steps to get the men out of the houses; and, in view of the provisions of the Truck Acts, what steps he proposes to take?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)I have been asked to answer this question. This matter has not previously been reported either to me or to my right hon. Friend. I am making inquiries, and when I am in a position to reply I will invite the hon. Member to repeat his question.