asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that certain Coal Board officials are not having regard to existing contracts of service of subordinate employees and are bringing pressure to bear in order to enforce a change of employment on employees to their detriment; and what action he is taking to prevent this in future.

No, Sir. The terms and conditions of service between the National Coal Board and its servants are matters for the Board, subject to the provisions of the Coal Nationalisation Act, and I have no power to interfere.

Is the Minister aware that under the Act he has powers to give directions? Is he not further aware that employees are frightened of bringing these matters up because of victimisation, and would it not be better in the interests of the employees that a general instruction should be given along those lines?

If the employees are afraid of victimisation or anything else they should consult their organisations.