38. Mr. Hillsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions for the payment of sick pay to Engine-driver J. T. Harvey, Shoeburyness Old Rangers, engineer's department, for the period 10th November to 28th December, 1936, to which he is entitled under the regulations, having been continuously employed since 1908, except for a break in 1917 through an accident caused by an Army lorry, but following which he resumed duty on the assurance of his superior officer with seniority and continuous service as from 1908; and whether his attention has been called to the fact that sick pay was granted in this case without question in 1921?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaNo, Sir. Employés who entered War Department employment before the introduction of National Health Insurance in 1912 retained as a reserved personal privilege the right to sick pay previously allowed by the regulations, but only as long as their service was continuous. Mr. Harvey, like other employés, continues to be entitled to National Health Insurance benefit during periods of sickness. I am not aware that sick pay was issued to him in 1921. If it was, an error was made.
Mr. HillsIs the Minister aware that the injury which terminated the man's employment temporarily in 1917 was due to an accident caused by an Army lorry, and that he received an assurance that-after he had recovered from the accident, the conditions under which he was employed prior to the accident would continue, including sick pay, and that he was given sick pay in 1921?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI was unaware that he was given any such assurance, but if the hon. Member will show me that he was, I will promise to look into the matter again.
§ Mr. DobbieIn view of the grave violation of the terms of employment of this man and the subsequent difficulties in negotiations, will the Minister be prepared to meet representatives of the man's trade union to discuss the situation?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am not prepared to admit that there was any violation, grave or otherwise, but I shall be only too happy to look into the facts if the 840 hon. Gentleman will substantiate them. He has not sent me any evidence which would substantiate them.
§ Mr. DobbieWill the Minister meet the representatives of the man's trade union?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThat depends upon whether the hon. Gentleman can make out a case. If he will send me the facts, I shall be only too prepared to discuss the subsequent course of action with him.