HC Deb 03 June 1930 vol 239 cc1944-5
60. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Labour when Mr. Semple was appointed Chairman of the Court of Referees in Glasgow; if the local working-class organisations were asked to make recommendations for such appointment; and, if not, what bodies were consulted?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)

Mr. Semple was appointed as a Chairman of the Glasgow Court of Referees in June, 1928, and was reappointed on the 26th March this year. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 29th May to the hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan).

Mr. BUCHANAN

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question: whether any working-class organisations were consulted when this appointment was made?

Mr. LAWSON

In this case, which was a re-appointment, there was no consultation at all, and my right hon. Friend knew of no objection to this re-appointment.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this House various Members representing the trade union and labour movement in Glasgow voiced strong objection, and was not that a reason why the trade union movement should have been consulted?

Mr. LAWSON

My right hon. Friend had no specific complaint against this appointment, and, if there is any specific complaint, she will have investigation made into it.