HC Deb 10 July 1947 vol 439 cc2426-7
48. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour if it is the Government's policy that all avoidable absentees and unofficial strikers in nationalised industries shall in future be prosecuted; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir.

Mr. Osborne

Does not the Minister think that it is very unfortunate that miners are being threatened with prison, and will he see that this persecution mania is not applied to other nationalised industries?

Mr. Isaacs

It is most comforting to us to have the hon. Gentleman's interest in this question of so-called persecution, but the point is that if any action is taken it will be taken by the National Coal Board as an employer against a person guilty of a breach of contract, and that is not a question of just absenteeism.