§ 41. Colonel APPLINasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the men employed in the Railway Clearing House, Seymour Street, who came out on the general strike, but returned to work shortly afterwards, have now been placed on a three-day week to make room for 20 strikers who remained out all the time and who have now been reinstated on a three-day week and whether he will take steps to ask the railway companies concerned to carry out the pledge given by the Prime Minister that no man who voluntarily returned to duty before the end of the strike should be victimized?
§ Mr. BETTERTONWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for West Leyton (Mr. Cassels) on 18th June. With regard to the second part, I do not think the arrangements are such as to justify intervention on the ground suggested.
§ Colonel APPLINIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these clerks left their work for only a few hours, and when they found that the strike was illegal returned at once to duty?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat suggestion was substantially that contained in the question put the other day, and my right hon. Friend's answer was that he had no authority to intervene.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENAre these-railway directors who have let down their friends not more dangerous enemies to industrial Peace than the Communists actually are?