HC Deb 04 December 1947 vol 445 cc573-4
54. Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to protect conscientious objectors to his new code of labour direction and registration.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement of last night.

Mr. Hogg

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, quite apart from objection to particular types of work, there are still some people in this country who object to forced labour, which they regard as a form of slavery?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, and there are still some hon. Members in this House who recommend people to disobey the law.

Mr. Peart

Can my right hon. Friend indicate any steps which he could take to deal with people who deliberately and maliciously incite others to break the law of this country?

Mr. Speaker

I think we had better pass on to the next Question.

55. Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered a letter sent to him from Mr. Slim Dexter, of 2, Chichester Place, Bayswater, W.2, informing him that Mr. Dexter is deliberately breaking his new direction code; and what steps he proposes to take.

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, but Mr. Slim Dexter has not, so far as I am aware, broken the law, and the last part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Hogg

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep his eye on Mr. Slim Dexter in case he does?

Mr. Isaacs

Judging from the tone of the letter, it may be that Mr. Slim Dexter is an excepted person under Article 4 (j) of the Order.