§ 44. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, by reason of a delay in his Department, a breach of the Fuel and Lighting Order, 1939, by Messrs. Cutts and Son, of Peck-ham, was not effectively dealt with, although such breach was brought to the notice of the Mines Department by the local fuel overseer; and will he take such steps as will provide for the proper enforcement of the Order in similar circumstances?
§ Mr. GrenfellI can assure the hon. Member that there was no avoidable delay in this case. After careful consideration, it was decided that the case would best be met by the issue of a warning letter to the firm concerned, informing them that proceedings would be instituted for any future infringement of the requirements of the Order.
§ Mr. GreenIs the Minister aware that the reply to the local authorities suggests that prosecution is not undertaken, owing to the delay, and does he not realise also that the local authorities take great care to see that the law is properly enforced?
§ Mr. GrenfellIf any words uttered in this House could convey a further warning to those who are responsible for the violation of order, I would again warn them not to offend in a matter which is intended to serve the interest of the coal-consuming public.