18. Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Minister of Labour whether, under the new Control of Engagement Order, men and women will be subject to direction to any part of the country and for any form of industrial activity.
§ Mr. ButlerThe new Control of Engagement Order requires in general that engagements be made through the Ministry of Labour and National Service and does not in itself relate to the power of direction under Regulation 58A. Whilst the power of direction is being retained, the new Order enables its use to be dispensed with as far as possible and its use will be limited to directing persons to essential work of the highest urgency. Directions to work away from home will be used only where there is no alternative.
Mr. Austin Hopkins onHas the right hon. Gentleman any hope that with a change of Government, an end will be put to this business, which reduces the workers to a state of serfdom?