§ 10. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an expectant mother was recently prosecuted by his Department for refusing a direction to work under the Essential Work Order; that the case was dismissed by the Salford police under the Probation of Offenders Act; and will he consider issuing instructions that expectant mothers are exempt from such proceedings?
§ Mr. BevinThe officers of my Department already have instructions not to place any pregnant woman in employment against her wish. In the case referred to by my hon. Friend the woman concerned gave no intimation that she was an expectant mother until her appearance in Court for failure to comply with a direction.
§ Mr. DaviesDid I understand the Minister to say that there are instructions against doing this?