asked the Minister of Labour the number of prosecutions initiated during each of the years 1948 and 1949 by the Inspectorate of Factories, in respect of contraventions of the Factory Acts by nationalised industries, and the aggregate of fines imposed.

In 1948 there were four prosecutions against nationalised undertakings out of a total of 891, and in 1949, nine out of 1,080. The aggregate fines were £86 and £148 5s. respectively.

In spite of the very small aggregate total of these fines, does the Minister realise that when such a fine is imposed on nationalised industries it is tantamount to fining the community and the taxpayer, and, what does he propose to do to remedy this anomalous and slightly ridiculous position?

I do not accept that there is any anomalous position whatever.