HC Deb 22 May 1941 vol 371 c1603W
Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour what consultations took place between his Department on the one hand and the employers and workpeople in the coal industry on the other before applying the Essential Work Order to that industry?

Mr. Bevin

Frequent consultations in regard to this matter with representatives of the employers and workers in the industry took place before the Order was made. These consultations were conducted by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines, but my Department was represented whenever necessary.