HC Deb 02 October 1941 vol 374 cc689-90
6. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the number of cases involved, the hardships which result to the persons affected and their families, and the loss of work which ensues in some of these cases, he will abandon the practice of prosecuting workers who are fined and imprisoned for failing to take up work on the directions of Employment Exchange officers, and rely on the voluntary principle instead?

Mr. Bevin

Directions are issued to workers only where the national interest requires. There is a proper machinery of appeal so that a worker who feels aggrieved by the issue of directions in his case can have the whole circumstances reviewed by an independent tribunal. If, in the light of the recommendation by the Appeal Board, it is decided that the directions should be enforced, the worker must know that he is breaking the law if he disobeys. I cannot agree to refrain from prosecution in such cases. I would add that only in a relatively few cases is prosecution necessary. I acknowledge the public spirit with which the vast majority of workers accept directions given to them.

Mr. Davies

Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the position, in view of the fact that when he compels men who are already on work of national importance to go down into the pit and reduce their wages by £2 or £3 a week he cannot possibly get willing co-operation from them? Why cannot he rely on the voluntary principle?

Mr. Bevin

If the House of Commons had thought that the voluntary principle would have met the necessities of the war, they would not have carried the Resolution directing me to direct workers where they were required. This House passed that Motion, and I carry it out in the national interest.

Mr. Davies

But the House of Commons gave the right hon. Gentleman power to prosecute employers, too. He has not done that?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, I have.

Mr. Davies

He has not sent any of them to gaol.