§ 16. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Labour whether he will give consideration to improving the Essential Work Order, so as to make it compulsory on an employer not to discharge a man when the National Service officer has sanctioned his release, if the man objects to being released, until the tribunal has reached a decision as this change would prevent the loss of man labour which happens now?
§ Mr. BevinMy hon. Friend's suggestion would mean that action would have to be suspended for a substantial period in all cases when an employer wished to terminate an engagement, and similarly a workman who applied for release would have to wait for a corresponding period in case his employer wished to appeal. I regret that I cannot see my way to introduce these general delays for the sake of meeting the small number of cases of difficulty which arise.
§ Mr. TinkerWhen my right hon. Friend comes to examine the Essential Work Order, which wants some improvement, will he consider this point and try to get it remedied?
§ Mr. BevinI have considered it, and I do not want the House to be under any delusion. This is a two-sided case. No one would complain more bitterly than the workman at having to wait for the result of an appeal, which would arise if I amended the Order on the lines suggested.