HC Deb 13 August 1940 vol 364 cc610-2
74. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention had been drawn to the case of Mr. A. Haywood, who has been dismissed from his employment as a tram-driver with the Leicester Corporation; that the manager, who says he had nothing against him, dismissed him on instructions from the chief of police; that the chief of police denied giving an instruction for the man's dismissal, and said he only advised his dismissal; that Haywood was employed for 15 years with the Leicester Corporation, 12½ years as a tram-driver; that he qualified this year for the gold medal as a safe and efficient driver, and that he received his gold medal on the day of his dismissal; and what steps will he take to see that Mr. Haywood is reinstated?

Mr. Peake

My right lion. Friend has made inquiries and has ascertained that the chief constable, when consulted, advised against the continued employment of this man in the service of the corporation. As regards the last part of the Question, my right hon. Friend has no authority to intervene.

Mr. Gallacher

Before asking a Supplementary Question, I wish to raise a point of Order: I raised this matter last week. The reason I put down the Question was to get an answer and so that the man should be reinstated. I put it to the Minister of Labour, who has the power of reinstatement, the question was referred to the Home Office, and now I am told that there is no power of reinstatement.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member had better ask his Supplementary Question.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that there is nothing whatever against this man so far as his employment is concerned, and that he has said or done nothing against the law of this country? Can the hon. Gentleman give any reason why the police should advise that a competent worker, presented with a gold medal for his qualifications, should be removed from his employment?

Mr. Peake

I cannot give the reasons upon which the police tendered the advice which they did in this case. I can only say that they gave that advice perfectly honestly and in accordance with their duty.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware that if this man had said or done anything to conflict with any of the Regulations, the police would have been entitled to take action against him? He has committed no offence of any kind against the Regulations. He is a competent worker. What is the reason for his dismissal and for the police interfering with industrial workers?

Hon. Members

Answer!

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member has given an answer.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply and the Gestapo methods being used against the industrial workers, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.