HC Deb 25 February 1936 vol 309 cc224-5
9. Mr. MATHERS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received information regarding the dismissal of a member of the crew of the northern lighthouse steamer "Pharos," without an opportunity being afforded to him to refute any charges which may be alleged against him; and whether he will cause a face-to-face inquiry to be made into the charges on which the dismissal was based, allowing the dismissed man to have the assistance of his trade union official and securing the attendance of such officers and members of the crew of the "Pharos" as may be able to assist in ascertaining the facts?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, with whom I have been in communication, state that the man in question was dismissed from their service for disciplinary reasons in March, 1935, that the case was carefully considered at the time and that it is not proposed to reopen it. The matter is entirely within the responsibility of the Commissioners, and I have no power to order such an inquiry as is suggested.

Mr. MATHERS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the man in question was not given an opportunity to meet any charges that were put forward as a reason for his dismissal, and, in view of that, does he not think that someone, if not himself, must offer an inquiry? Can he tell me who has the power to order an inquiry into a matter of this kind?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As this is not a matter of finance, I think it would come within the purview of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, but as the matter rests now it is not one for me.

Mr. MATHERS

I want to press the right hon. Gentleman to tell me who can conduct an inquiry into this very unsatisfactory case.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As I have said, it is within the right of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses to deal with this subject, and I am afraid that I cannot impinge on their jurisdiction. If the hon. Member would like to discuss it with me, or with one of the officials of the Board, we will go into the matter with him.

Mr. MATHERS

If I fail to get satisfaction in that direction, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at an early date.