HC Deb 11 November 1943 vol 393 cc1271-2
15. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour the number of prosecutions of workers during the war of 1914–18 for offences similar to those instituted by his Department during this war?

Mr. Bevin

The procedure during the war of 1914–18 was to bring these cases before munitions tribunals. The only statistics I have are for a period of rather less than a year up to the end of June, 1916. In that period 21,115 cases of complaint against employers or workpeople were brought before the tribunals.

Mr. Davies

How many of those were prosecuted by the Ministry of Labour at the time and sent to prison?

Mr. Bevin

I do not think that there was a Ministry of Labour then.

Mr. Davies

How many were prosecuted by the appropriate Department of State?

Mr. Bevin

As far as I know, there are no statistics which we can dig up on the matter.