HC Deb 14 March 1927 vol 203 cc1638-40
60. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the misappropriation of public funds by the Board of Guardians of Chester-le-Street, Durham, during the coal strike; whether he has taken legal opinion as to whether the persons concerned are guilty of having entered into an illegal conspiracy; and What action the Ministry are taking in the matter?

64. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTANDOYLE

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the facts disclosed by the Report of the Chester-le-Street Guardians, he proposes to lay Papers connected with the action of the ex-guardians before the Public Prosecutor?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend does propose to draw the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions to this matter.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will action be taken against the trade unions who benefited from this misappropriation of public funds, as well as against individuals?

Sir K. WOOD

That is a matter on which I cannot give an answer.

Mr. LANSBURY

On a point of Order. Is it in order to say that the trade unions have benefited?

Mr. SPEAKER

I would rather have that question put in writing.

Mr. W. THORNE

Why not prejudge it at once?

Captain CROOKSHANK

In view of the fact that the papers are to be sent to the Public Prosecutor, shall we be precluded from discussing the matter in this House pending a decision?

Sir K. WOOD

That is not a question to which I can reply?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is it not a fact that the people responsible, the people involved in this question, have never had an opportunity of putting their case, and does not the hon. Member think that that matter ought not to be decided until the old guardians' side has been heard?

Sir K. WOOD

I understand that the old guardians have made a reply.

61. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the distribution of relief during the coal strike by the guardians at Chester-le-Street, differentiation was made in the relief granted to the detriment of members of trades unions who had fallen into arrear with their trade union subscriptions; and what action the Ministry are taking in the matter?

Sir K. WOOD

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to questions put on Thursday last by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle North.

Mr. BATEY

Is the hon. Member aware that the statement in this question is untrue, and that during the lock-out there was no differentiation made between members of trade unions and non-members?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir. I understand that in the Report in question reference is made to a Minute dealing with this matter by the old board of guardians.

Mr. BATEY

Is the hon. Member aware that that reference was during the year 1924 and not during the lock-out?

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is the hon. Member aware that the answer which he has given, referring to the reply given to the hon. Member for Newcastle North, does not deal with the question which my hon. Friend opposite asks?

Sir K. WOOD

I think my hon. Friend forgets that my right non Friend stated that the Report was receiving his consideration, and he went on to say: My hon. Friend will realise that we have-already taken the most effective action by removing the former guardians from their office.