H—llA

The total number of appeals lodged was 14,450, representing only 2-9 per cent, of the total directions and decisions subject to right of appeal. The total number of appeals upheld was 5,361, representing only 1-08 per cent, of the total directions and decisions subject to right of appeal. The percentage of appeals would be even lower if based on the number of rights of appeal created by directions and decisions. It must be remembered that in many cases one decision created more than one right of appeal—e.g., the right of appeal could be exercised by both employer and worker where a worker was directed to transfer from employment in one undertaking to employment in another undertaking. The operations of Man-power Appeal Committees are analysed in detail in Tables 37, 38, and 39 of the Appendix. (ix) Man-power Utilization Councils and Committees 164. The necessity for the co-operation of workers' and employers' organizations (and, through them, of workers and employers individually) in the administration of the various man-power controls rendered desirable the establishment of joint advisory bodies representative of each important industry and set up in each main centre of that industry. The experience of similar Joint Committees in Great Britain and elsewhere provided the model, and shortly after the introduction of industrial mobilization in January, 1942, a number of joint advisory bodies, known as Man-power Utilization Councils and Committees, were established. The function of each Man-power Utilization Council (which was a national organization) was to advise the Department on all questions affecting the adequate staffing and the most economic utilization of labour in the industry as a whole. Local Committees tributary to these Councils undertook the functions of advising the District Man-power Officer and the Armed Forces Appeal Board on all questions affecting the most economic local utilization of labour. Utilization Councils and Committees were established as- the need arose until twenty-six industries were covered. Table 20 of the Appendix lists the local Committees attached to the various Utilization Councils appointed. (x) Medical Examination 165. In exercising control over industrial man-power the Department paid due regard to health factors, and where applications for exemption from or variation of man-power obligations were based on valid health reasons the decisions of District Man-power Officers were invariably made in accordance with the requirements of health. Where persons submitted reasons of health as grounds they were invited to submit medical certificates from their regular doctors. Persons having no regular doctors were extended the opportunity of undergoing a medical examination arranged by the Department at the Department's expense. In cases where there was conflicting or inconclusive medical evidence persons were referred to Industrial Medical Boards specially set up in man-power districts. (xi) Prosecutions 166. The delegation of compulsory powers must of necessity be accompanied by power to take appropriate action against those who, without reasonable excuse, delibeerately fail to comply with any obligation imposed upon them. Provision was therefore made in the Industrial Man-power Emergency Regulations for prosecutions to be taken against employers and workers committing offences under the regulations. Despite the fact that some 255,000 workers were subject to the control measures applying to essential undertakings alone, only 1,334 prosecutions had to be instituted from January, 1942, to 31st March, 1946. These were disposed of as follows : Total prosecutions instituted .. .. .. .. 1,334 Number of withdrawals .. .. .. .. .. .. 253 Number of convictions .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,010 Number of dismissals .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 Number adjourned or under action at 31st March, 1946 .. .. 33

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