§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the directors of the London General Omnibus Company, Limited, are compelling drivers to sign an agreement to have a uniform coat and cap and to have 1s. per week deducted from their wages until such uniform is paid for; whether he is aware that drivers are having 2d. per week and conductors 1d. 541W per week deducted from their wages for the purpose of an accident fund; and if, in view of the provisions of the Truck Act, he intends taking action in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe enforcement of the Truck Acts in regard to this employment does not fall within the jurisdiction of my Department, but I have made inquiry of the company and am informed that the facts are as stated in the question. As regards the first point, if uniform is required for the purpose of a man's employment, the matter would appear to fall under Section 3 of the Truck Act of 1896, and deductions in respect of the uniform supplied to the workman would be legal if made in accordance with the provisions of that Section. The Truck Committee expressly recommended a provision allowing the supply of uniform as part of wages. As regards the second point, the case appears to fall within the decision in Hewlettv. Allen, and, if so, no offence is involved.