§ 31. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. Simonis and Company, fire engineers, Park Royal, engaged on aircraft fittings, informed a workman who desired to leave their employment that he 660 was as much tied to them as if he had joined the Army, that they had power from the Board of Trade to prevent any other firm employing him, and that they would refuse to give him his insurance card; whether the firm had any authority for making such statements; and whether he knows that the workman in question has an opportunity to do similar Government work for another firm, and to save himself three hours travelling daily?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)The Board of Trade have not given this company any authority for making such statements, nor have they the power to do so. Nor would the company have the right to retain the workman's insurance card or unemployment book in such circumstances.