§ Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Production whether employers or management in any industry, to which Essential Work Orders apply, can be prosecuted in the courts for loss of output; what is the procedure to be followed; and who, or 1776W what, authority is responsible for instituting the proceedings?
§ Mr. Garro JonesProsecution of employers or management for loss of output is not provided for under the Essential Work Orders. I would, however, draw the attention of the hon. Member to the provisions contained in Regulation 54C, 55 and 78 of the Defence Regulations under which all Ministers in charge of Departments concerned with war production may, where it appears to them necessary in the national interest, exercise powers for the control of any undertaking. Under these regulations an authorised controller may be appointed to the undertaking and he may give directions to any person engaged in its management. If any such person appears to be obstructing the controller in the discharge of his duties, the competent authority, that is to say, the Minister in charge of the Department concerned, may give directions removing such person from his office or position.