HC Deb 06 August 1942 vol 382 cc1158-9
3. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour the number of person employed in and about coalmines who have been prosecuted by his Department in each of the several coalfields, giving the number of miners employed, or the percentage of prosecution to the number employed in each case?

Mr. Bevin

The available records show that up to the end of June, 1942, the number of persons prosecuted for breaches of the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Orders was as follows:

England 424
Wales 14
Scotland 53
I have no statistics which would enable me to classify prosecutions instituted under the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Orders by reference to the different coalfields in which persons prosecuted were employed. It would not be in the public interest to give information about the number of men employed.

Mr. Davies

Is the Minister aware of the suspicion that some of his officers are very much keener on prosecuting miners in some coalfield districts than in others, and will he look into this?

Mr. Bevin

I do not accept that statement. I am quite sure my officials have acted strictly in accordance with the instructions and, in the main, in accordance with the advice of the responsible committees.

Mr. Gallacher

No managers have yet been prosecuted.