HC Deb 20 February 1939 vol 344 c29
50. Mr. Poole

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has any statement to make on the dispute prevailing at the Royal Ordnance Factory at Chorley and the reasons for the dismissal of certain shop stewards at the factory?

The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)

I understand that the shop stewards employed by the electrical contractors demanded permission to spend time interviewing the men during working hours, without loss of pay. The contractors refused to allow this on the ground that it was not in accordance with trade practice, and, as the shop stewards insisted on their demand being met, they were discharged.

Mr. Poole

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when a representative deputation of shop stewards waited upon the manager they were kept waiting in the rain for two hours, and at the expiry of that period the names of certain men were read out and, without being heard, they were informed they had been dismissed? In view of that fact, will the hon. Gentleman make further inquiries?

Sir P. Sassoon

I understand that the Electrical Trades Union have decided not to recognise this strike.

Mr. Poole

Whether they have recognised the strike or not, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the statement that I have made?