HC Deb 12 April 1937 vol 322 cc617-8
75. Mr. Paling

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the names of the five men dismissed from the dockyards have been circulated to other Government works and dockyards with a view to preventing them obtaining employment at such places?

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)

Steps were taken, as would always be the case in similar circumstances, to inform other Government Departments of the circumstances of these discharges, in case these men might apply for entry into other Government industrial establishments.

Mr. Paling

In view of the fact that, when this question has been discussed in the House, there seemed to be no evidence available as to why these men should have been discharged, why should they be pursued vindictively in this manner?

Mr. Kelly

Were the other Government Departments informed of the charge which the Admiralty has levelled against these five men?

Mr. Lindsay

In answer to the first supplementary question, in view of the first step this was inevitable. With regard to the second, the main charge has been shown, of course, to the other Government Departments.

Mr. Kelly

Why are not the men informed?

Mr. Paling

Can we have the terms of the notice that was circulated to the other Departments?

Mr. Thorne

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, as a consequence of the statements about some of these men that have appeared in the papers, one of them in particular has applied to a number of employers and they have refused to employ him, and he is now receiving public assistance?

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is it not a fact that it is not in the interest of the State to make these disclosures?