§ Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. B. Pinnington, of Southampton, who was sued for libel as a result of his statement as to the reason for the discharge of an employé given on the Ministry of Labour Form U.I. 85, which has resulted in Mr. Pinnington having to file his petition in bankruptcy; and will he take steps to make it impossible for an employer to be so sued where the reason given for dismissal is found by the Ministry of Labour to be justified?
§ Mr. ButlerMy right hon. Friend's attention has been called to this case by my hon. Friend and by Mr. Pinnington. My right hon. Friend is naturally anxious to do all that is in his power to protect employers who give him correct replies to the inquiries made by his Department on the Form U.I. 85; he regrets however that he does not see his way to propose the legislation which would be necessary to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion.