HC Deb 28 April 1937 vol 323 c337
60. Mr. Perkins

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the representative of certain men who had been employed by the Ministry of Transport for the previous five months on the construction of Minchinhampton aerodrome approached the local representative of the Member of Parliament for their division on the evening of 23rd March with regard to general working conditions at the aerodrome and, in particular, to the fact that for the previous week their net earnings were 4s. owing to wet time; and for what reason all three men were dismissed the next night?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has given full information to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Perkins

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the facts stated in the question correct, and, if so, does he not think there is a case for a general inquiry?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

In the interests of my hon. Friend's constituents I have not made a full public statement about it, but if he wishes to press me to make a fuller statement I will willingly do so. He knows that I have made a special investigation at his request; I sent an officer of the Department down and he confirmed the reports I had previously received.

Mr. Perkins

I ask for a fuller statement. Will the right hon. Gentleman make it?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Most willingly, if my hon. Friend thinks it will assist him.