HC Deb 13 November 1947 vol 444 c540
32. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if his instruction to the National Coal Board not to institute any prosecutions for absenteeism is still in force; and by how much was absenteeism increased after this direction was issued.

Mr. Gaitskell

No instruction of the kind referred to by the hon. Member has been given to the National Coal Board; the second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Osborne

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this impression was held and is held in the northern part of the minefields, and will he give wide publicity to his reply to see that the untrue impression is removed?

Mr. Gaitskell

No doubt, full publicity will be given to this reply.