§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of prosecutions which have been instituted against parents for not sending their sons to a training centre under the Unemployment Insurance Act; and whether he can give the reasons in each case for such parental action?
§ Mr. E. BROWNProceedings in these cases are taken by the local education authority on behalf of the Minister of Labour. Up to 31st December, 1935, I had received intimation of the institution of proceedings in 59 cases in respect of the failure of parents or guardians to secure the attendance of juveniles at authorised courses of instruction conducted under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, 1934–35. I could not, without detailed inquiry, give the reasons advanced by the parents in each of these cases, but I can assure my hon. Friend that in every instance before prosecution was undertaken, the opportunity had been afforded to the parent to put his case before a court of referees or a board of assessors.