HC Deb 07 November 1940 vol 365 cc1417-9
8. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider cancelling the rule preventing members of his staff from approaching Members of Parliament in connection with grievances that may arise in connection with the Ministry's work, as not being in the best interests of efficient working?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. Civil servants have ample opportunity of bringing any grievances to the notice of the Department, either through the ordinary official channels, through the Civil Service Whitley machinery, or through their staff associations.

Mr. Gallacher

Although there are those opportunities for Civil servants, is there any special reason why Civil servants should be debarred from requesting a Member of Parliament to take up a particular case or grievance?

Mr. Bevin

I should think it a very objectionable practice, especially having regard to the fact that trade unions exist to which each man ought to go with his grievances.

Mr. Shinwell

Does that mean that a member of any trade union ought not to approach a Member of Parliament with a grievance?

Mr. Bevin

No, but when a person is employed by the State and when he has proper machinery to which he can go, it is in the interests of the State for his grievance to go through that machinery, rather than that he should be able to get advantage by going to a particular Member of Parliament.

Mr. Ammon

Is there anything to prevent representatives of associations approaching a Member of Parliament?

Mr. Bevin

Certainly not. Representatives of associations, like those of any other trade union, have the right of approach.

Mr. McGovern

As a number of people have the dual capacity of trade union leader and Member of Parliament, does the Minister's answer mean that Civil servants cannot approach a trade union leader who is also a Member of Parliament?

Mr. Bevin

It is laid down that the case must be taken up through the proper machinery, and in every case I have had in which a Member of Parliament has written to me about a Civil servant, I have given the same reply. I think it is the correct practice.

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order. I want to ask you for your Ruling, Mr. Speaker. Even though an employé takes his case to a trade union, has he not a right to bring the matter to a Member of Parliament?

Mr. Speaker

No point of Order arises.

Mr. Shinwell

On a point of Order. As there appears to me to be a new point embodied in what the right hon. Gentleman said, I beg to give notice that I will raise the subject at the earliest available opportunity.