§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Labour how far he delegates his authority so as to enable his regional representatives to prosecute workers who evade work in essential industries?
§ Mr. AsshetonSince 27th October, 1941, the regional controllers and deputy regional controllers of the Department have been empowered to authorise such proceedings on my right hon. Friend's behalf in appropriate cases.
§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Labour to what extent he is exercising his powers of prosecuting workers in essential industries who either refuse the work offered them or absent themselves from work without due cause or leave their jobs without permission from the local Ministry of Labour officials?
§ Mr. AsshetonIt is my right hon. Friend's policy to exercise these powers in all proper cases.
§ Mr. Bellengerasked the Minister of Labour what penalty is incurred by employers illegally terminating the services of labour employed under the Essential Work Order, No. 822, of 1941; and what penalty attaches to employees found guilty of unlawfully terminating their employment under this order?
§ Mr. BevinInfringements of the Essential Work Orders, whether by employers or workers, are offences against Regulation 58A of the Defence (General) Regulations. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or to a fine not exceeding £100, or to both imprisonment and fine. On conviction on indictment he is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to a fine not exceeding £500, or to both imprisonment and fine.