ARRESTMENT OF WAGES

ARRESTMENT OF WAGES, so far as required for the aliment of the artisan or servant, has always been prohibited by the common law of Scotland. Such arrestment is considered to be injurious to the working-classes, because it encourages transactions upon credit. This idea was supported by the result of a government inquiry, originating in Glasgow in 1853. By statute in 1845, such arrestments were prohibited absolutely in small-debt actions. The limit of what is required for aliment in the case of artisans and farm-servants and labourers, was fixed by statute in 1870 at 20s. per week, the excess being arrestable. This rule, however, does not apply to claims for rates and taxes, or for the support of a child.