HC Deb 01 November 1944 vol 404 c809W
Sir Smedley Crooke

asked the Minister of Labour whether, before proceedings were instituted against the 18-year-old youth, William Archer, of 2/116 Highgate Street, Birmingham, recently sentenced to one month's hard labour for absenting himself from mining work after having been directed, consideration was given to the fact that on two previous occasions he had broken down in health and that on this occasion his absence was supported by a medical certificate that he was unfitted physically for such work.

Mr. Bevin

William Archer had been absent from work for a period owing to sickness before he was examined by the Medical Board on 2nd August, and found fit for coal-mining employment. He was then instructed to resume work on 9th August and on his failure to do so I had no option but to institute proceedings.