§ Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, under the Employers and Workmen Act, 1875, Magistrates have powers of summary jurisdiction in cases of complaints against illegal withholding of wages up to £10; and whether, seeing that the statute has been so interpreted that only certain classes of manual workers can now apply to a Magistrate, while many other poor persons are compelled to go to the County Courts, pay a plaint fee of 3s. and wait a month for a hearing, he will consider the introduction of amending legislation?
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§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo previous representations on this subject appear to have been received at the Home Office, and I have no evidence before me to show' that a change in the law is required. The hon. Member will not overlook the fact that the provision to which he refers is a general provision dealing with disputes between employers and workers and is equally applicable to claims by employers against their workers for breach of contract as to claims by the workers against their employers.