HC Deb 22 November 1920 vol 135 cc25-6
41. Mr. MYERS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the pledge he gave to the railway workers of the United Kingdom on Sunday, 5th October, 1919, at the time of the settlement of their strike, that there would be no victimisation, has not been fulfilled in the case of the Cheshire Lines Committee, who have persistently refused to allow a booking clerk named Clark, who was employed at Hale Station, to resume his railway duties, their reason being that he took sympathetic action with the operative employees on Wednesday and Thursday, 1st and 2nd October, 1919; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to have his pledge carried out by the reinstatement of this clerk?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir E. Geddes)

: I have been asked to answer this question. The strike settlement with the National Union of Railway-men and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen provided that no man should be prejudiced as a result of the strike. I am informed that this man belonged to neither union and was not on strike, but after remaining on duty for some days refused to perform, while on duty, his own work as a booking clerk. He was dismissed by his employers, the Cheshire Lines Committee, and has, I am told, obtained other employment.

Mr. MYERS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he was reported to have been a member of one of these unions and is anxious to secure reinstatement?

Sir E. GEDDES

My information is that he was not in either of the unions.

Mr. WATERSON

Did not the settlement affect all men on strike?

Sir E. GEDDES

This man was not on strike.