§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the National Service officer, who may never have heard.a word of the evidence in a case, is empowered to reverse the decision of the Appeals Committee given in the workmen's favour under Essential Work Orders and that this is causing irritation 558W in industry; and will he take steps to remove this anomaly?
§ Mr. BevinIn the great majority of cases arising under the Essential Work Orders, local appeal boards make recommendations only and in the great majority of cases these recommendations are accepted. A decision contrary to the Board's recommendation is never given without special consideration by my Department at headquarters. This procedure was accepted by the representatives of both sides of industry when the arrangements were instituted and in my view gives rise to less irritation than would be likely under any alternative procedure.