HC Deb 10 March 1925 vol 181 cc1107-8
27. Mr. AMMON

asked the Secretary of State for War if his Department requires an explicit relinquishment of trade union membership from all candidates on the establishment?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Speaking generally in the case of outstation establishments, severance of connection with Trade Unions is a condition attaching to appointments on an established, i.e., pensionable list. The rule is of long standing in the case of foremen and others holding supervisory industrial posts in the ordnance factories and elsewhere, and it was applied with the concurrence of the staff side of the War Office Whitley Council when, more recently, pension rights were extended to certain other classes.

Mr. KELLY

Was this rule in operation prior to 1923?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Oh, yes.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Was it in operation under the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Certainly.