HC Deb 06 November 1906 vol 164 c336
MR. SUMMERBELL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the case of George Kilner, a cutter in the employ of Messrs. Wyman and Company, Government printers, Reading, who has been dismissed, after five years' service, on the plea of slackness, although he has recently joined the trade union, and his place was immediately filled by a non-unionist; and, if not, will he inquire into the matter.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. MCKENNA, Mon-mouth, N.)

I have communicated with Messrs. Wyman through the Controller of the Stationery Office on the subject of this Question. I am informed that Kilner was dismissed owing to a reduction of staff, and that his place has not been filled.

MR. SUMMERBELL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that Messrs. Wyman and Company, Government printers, Reading, are dismissing some of their employees because they are members of the National Amalgamated Society of Printers' Warehousemen and Cutters; and, if so, whether it is his intention to take any action in regard to the matter with a view to the firm complying with the fair wage clause of the Government.

MR. MCKENNA

Messrs. Wyman inform me that the imputation contained in this Question is unfounded.