HC Deb 07 July 1955 vol 543 cc1292-3
32. Mr. V. Yates

asked the Minister of Labour if Her Majesty's Government will consider taking the necessary powers to withhold calling-up notices to men in exempted occupations who are engaged in an industrial dispute, pending an inquiry into the circumstances of each case.

Sir W. Monckton

No, Sir.

Mr. Yates

Does not the Minister agree that the action of his Department establishes a precedent and that there is very deep resentment at the fact that the machinery of State should be, or should appear to be, used either to intimidate or to victimise strikers, whether official or otherwise?

Sir W. Monckton

There has been no change in the practice. If we thought that a change was desirable, I should not require further powers to bring it into force.