§ 52. Colonel APPLINasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, during the building of the schools in 936 West Ham, in 1923, Mr. A. E. Short, a working man acting as foreman for the contractor, paid the workmen's wages when the contractor failed to provide the money, in order to enable the electric lighting installation to be completed, the said workmen all being unemployed especially engaged for this work; and that when the contractor failed and a receiver was appointed, the money due for these wages, amounting to about £400, was paid by the West Ham Council to the receiver and not to Mr. Short, who has thus lost the whole of his small savings and is now destitute; and whether he will take the necessary steps to see that this money is refunded to Mr. Short as an act of justice?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD OF TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)I am informed by the receiver appointed by the debenture holders that Mr. Short has claimed from the company sums amounting to £535 6s. 7d., of which £232 18s. 1½d. is in respect of wages. The receiver has a counterclaim against Mr. Short, amounting to £532. An Order to wind-up the company compulsorily was made on the 29th January, 1924, and the receiver states that he has been informed by Mr. Short's solicitors that the only claim made now upon the receiver was in respect of a preferential debt of £50, due to Mr. Short for wages. The receiver states that he is quite prepared to adjust whatever legal claim Mr. Short may have against him. The Board of Trade have no powers to take any action in the matter.