2. Mr. TEMPLE MORRISasked the Minister of Labour how many cases have been reported to him within the last 12 months in which employers did not properly stamp the cards of employés; how many of such omissions have been followed by prosecutions; and what has been the reason why, in the balance of such cases, no action has been taken?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI regret that the first figure asked for is not available. During the year 1933, criminal proceedings were instituted in 1,731 cases of irregularities in connection with the stamping of unemployment books, but my hon. Friend must not assume that no action was taken in other similar cases which were not made the subject of such proceedings. There are many cases in which, for various reasons, it is not appropriate to institute criminal proceedings, but in all known cases of failure to stamp unemployment books properly steps are taken, as far as practicable, to secure payment of any arrears of contributions due.