HC Deb 13 April 1927 vol 205 cc360-1
46. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, on the arrival of the Steamship "Gerent" at Grangemouth in December last, a declaration of protest as to her unseaworthiness was signed by 11 members out of a crew of 16; that his Department served a detention notice until certain specified repairs were completed; that the wireless operator declined to sign on until the detention notice was withdrawn; and that the wireless operator, for this reason alone, has been dismissed and refused further employment; and what steps he can take to ensure that the operator shall be no longer penalised in this manner?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

The facts as to the complaint against, the vessel and her detention for repairs are as stated in the question. The vessel was at a later date again surveyed at Ardrossan. The Board of Trade were informed by the Association of Wireless and Cable Telegraphists that the wireless operator had been dismissed, but this is not a matter in which the Department are able to interfere. I am informed by the company that further employment has not been refused to the operator concerned, as he has made no application therefor.

Mr. JOHNSTON

If I can show the hon. Gentleman documentary evidence to the contrary, will he undertake to make further inquiries into the matter?

Sir B. CHADWICK

No, Sir. That would not be a matter for the Board of Trade. It would be a matter between the union to which the man belongs and the employers.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is it not a matter of vital public policy in which the Board of Trade is interested that when a ship is declared by his Department to be unsea-worthy and a man declines to sign articles in the ship, he should then be discharged from his employment?

Sir B. CHADWICK

It has nothing to do with the Board of Trade when the man is discharged. The Board of Trade is concerned in seeing to the seaworthiness of the ship. What happens between the crew of the ship and the employers is not a matter for the Board of Trade, provided that the conditions are complied with.

Mr. JOHNSTON

I beg to give notice that at the earliest opportunity I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.