§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Home Office rules posted up at the Stowmarket New Explosive Works are read to the workpeople once in each month, and the rule relating to intoxicating drink is always specially emphasised and the men are warned that any breach of the rule will be followed by instant dismissal; whether he is aware that the gate-keeper at the works from time to time examines all tea bottles at the gate with a view of trying to find out whether they contain any beer; and whether he intends to insist upon the rules being strictly observed at the works in question?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first two paragraphs is in the affirmative. As I stated in my reply of the 7th of this month, the mess-room though technically within the boundary of the factory is separated from the factory proper by a fence, and it is at the gates in this fence that the search takes place. It has always been customary for men to bring beer into the mess-room to take with their meals, and no danger arises from the practice. Special rules are framed by the company and submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. It is for the company to take proceedings in case of infringement.