77. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Labour whether his Department have yet communicated with the National Union of Papermakers inquiring the grounds on which they declined to carry out the instructions of His Majesty's Stationery Office that a permit should be given to ex-Corporal Albert Edward Parfitt, pending the granting of a card in order that Parfitt might be enabled to accept a position which had been offered to him in His Majesty's Stationery Office printing works, Farringdon Road; and, if so, what reply has been received?
§ Mr. WARDLEI am still in communication with the union, and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.
Sir F. HALLAre we to understand that there has been a fortnight since the Minister of Labour has been in communication with a certain union, and that they decline to allow this man to earn his living? Js that going to be the condition of affairs; and does the Government not give a reply in order that the public may not know.
§ Mr. WARDLEMy hon. and gallant Friend is not entitled to make this inference. I shall be very glad to see him about it if he desires.
Sir F. HALLI beg to give notice that I will raise this question in a week's time, and, perhaps, the hon. Gentleman will then give me a reply.
§ Mr. WARDLEIf my hon. and gallant Friend will see me, I will give him a reply at once.
Sir F. HALLWhy cannot the hon. Gentleman give me a reply which the House can hear? Why should we have a private communication on such an important matter? Does he recognise the power of the union to decline to carry out the instructions of His Majesty's Stationery Office?
§ Mr. WARDLEIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a question in a week's time, after he has seen me, I will do my best to give him a full answer.