§ Mr. ANDERSON(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received protests from engineering workers in Sheffield and elsewhere in regard to the alleged victimisation of Mr. J T. Murphy, of Sheffield, a skilled engineer and a well-known trade unionist, by the Vulcan Motor Works, Southport; whether he is aware that this workman was dismissed without previous warning or complaint of any kind, and that all his workmates believe he has been victimised because of his activities as a shop steward in Sheffield prior to going to Southport; whether he knows that the representative of the Ministry of Munitions, after investigating the facts, agreed it was a case of victimisation, and recommended the unconditional reinstatement of the workman; whether he is further aware that the refusal of the firm to do this has already led to a stoppage of work in Southport, and that meetings of engineering workers are now being held in practically every munition centre to discuss what action should be taken in view of the alleged victimisation; and seeing that a critical situation may arise, what action the Ministry of Munitions has taken or intends to take in this matter?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI am informed that the workers at Southport resumed work this morning, and that thereafter the matter was discussed between a representative of the Ministry, the firm, and the trade union officials concerned, with the result that a settlement has been reached. In regard to the attitude adopted by the Ministry's local representative, my information does not agree with that of my hon. Friend.