80. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an ex-corporal named Albert Edward Parfitt, who served twelve and a half years with the Colours, of which four and a half years were in the recent War, received an appointment at His Majesty's Stationery Office printing works, Farringdon Road; whether a Memorandum was sent by that Department to the secretary of the National Union of Paper Makers, 220, Blackfriars Road, intimating that Parfitt had been engaged, and asking that a permit might be given him pending the granting of a card; whether it is a fact that the union declined to accede to the request of His Majesty's Stationery Office, and that consequently this ex-soldier is precluded from earning his living as a result of his not having been a member of the union in pre-war days; and what action the Government intend to take in order that people who are desirous of working shall not suffer in this manner?
§ Mr. WARDLEI am informed by the Stationery Office that the facts are as stated in the question. I am communicating with the union on the matter.
Sir F. HALLDoes my hon. Friend realise the importance of this position, and 605 what steps are going to be taken in order that soldiers who have served this country and who have saved this country are not going to be victimised by these trade unions in not being allowed to work?
§ Mr. WARDLEI quite realise the seriousness of the situation, but we cannot do anything until we have communicated with the union.
Sir F. HALLDo we understand that the Government cannot do anything to protect our soldiers, that they are not to be allowed to work for their living? Are they going to do nothing?
§ Mr. WARDLEMy hon. and gallant Friend is not to understand that.
§ Mr. WARDLEWe are communicating with the union with a view to securing what he has desired in his question.
Sir F. HALLI beg to give notice that I will put down a question on this matter again early next week and expect a full reply.