Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that considerable numbers of employés in London and other firms have been dismissed and offered re-engagement under a new contract as a result of a recent case, involving an appeal which is yet to be heard, arising out of the Truck Act, 1831; and whether he will keep this matter under close observation, with a view to ensuring that neither the letter nor the spirit of the law, which requires that work-people shall be paid in coin, shall be infringed or evaded?
§ Mr. E. Brown:I am aware of this dispute. My Department is in touch with 1416W the parties and will take any steps that may be practicable to assist a settlement. In so far as the differences between the parties involve questions of law the matter does not fall within my jurisdiction.