asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain colliery managers are telling their workmen that the Control of Employment Act prevents them changing their employment from one mine to another; and will be take steps to make it clear that neither the Act nor in regulations subsequently to be made will this right of change be denied as long as the work obtained is of national importance?

No order has yet been made to bring the Control of Employment Act into operation. Accordingly no employers or employ És are yet affected by the Act. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the assurance given on the point when the Bill was before the House on 14th September.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Order is likely to be made?

Not until we have discussed particular cases with the industries and the occupations to which it may be necessary to apply the Order.

Will the Minister or the industry take the initiative?

The initiative will rest with the Minister, and then there will be consultation with the industries concerned on the draft Order.