§ 74. Mr. THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the judgment given in the High Court in respect to the old custom of fining cotton weavers for defective cloth; if he is aware that the judgment will affect thousands of textile workers; and if he will state whether any legislation is proposed to deal with the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Short)I have seen the reports which have appeared in the Press of the judgment of the High Court in the case referred to in the question. The judgment, which is an important and far-reaching one, was in favour of the workman, and I understand that the manufacturers have decided to appeal against it. In these circumstances, my right hon. Friend cannot make any statement.