§ 50. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the refusal of Messrs. Taylor, Taylor, and Hobson, Limited, of Stoughton Street Works, Leicester, to reinstate some 30 of their men since the general strike unless they leave their trade union; and whether, in view of the fact that this firm is on the list of contractors to the Air Ministry, he will take such facts into consideration in the allotment of future contracts?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI have no information in regard to the case referred to by the hon. Member, but the matter is in any event not one falling within the scope of the Fair Wages Clause in Government contracts, and appears to be one for discussion between the parties concerned.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEWill the hon. Baronet make inquiries with regard to this matter, and does he not think, in view of the Prime Minister's statement, that it is a matter which should be taken into consideration?
§ Captain BRASSIs it not a fact that these men left their employment, without giving any notice at all?
§ Captain EVERARDIs the hon. Baronet aware that this firm manufactures articles which protected under the Key industries Act, and does he not think that people employed in such an industry ought to remain at work?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIn any event, the Air Minisiry has no power to interfere in regard to the employment of union or non-union workpeople by an independent employer.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it the sole concern of the. Ministry to get the best jobs?