The point mentioned in the Report is not a new one and I do not think it now calls for any special action on my part. I would remind my hon. Friend that the offence under the Essential Work Order is that of being absent from work without having a reasonable excuse and that where there is an appropriate works committee, proceedings cannot be taken until the matter has been considered by the committee. I am satisfied that these are adequate safeguards against a worker being prosecuted if he is unavoidably absent as a result of having worked excessive hours.