HC Deb 22 September 1943 vol 392 cc208-9
67. Sir John Mellor

asked the Prime Minister whether in order to get rid of the existing division of responsibility for discipline in the coal industry, he will now take steps to transfer to the Minister of Fuel and Power the duty of taking legal proceedings vested in the Minister of Labour by the Essential Work (Coal Mining Industry) Order?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I am advised that no good purpose would be served by an alteration in the present arrangements. There is close consultation between the two Departments upon each case that arises.

Sir J. Mellor

Is the Prime Minister satisfied with the results of the present system?

The Prime Minister

We were told that all sorts of terrible things would happen last year, but we got through all right. Although I am still very anxious about this year and I should hesitate to say that I was by any means satisfied, still we have good hopes that we shall surmount the difficulty.