§ 18. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men have been discharged by Government contractors and have been informed that their discharge was solely due to the fact that a former member of the British Union of Fascists could not be employed on Government contract work; and whether he has authorised this discrimination?
§ Mr. BevinMy hon. Friend has sent me particulars of one case of this kind which is alleged to have occurred last June. I know of no others. No authorisation from my Department was given, nor was such authorisation required last June.
§ Sir I. AlberyIs my right hon. Friend taking any action about the case which I brought to his notice?
§ Mr. BevinI am not empowered to do so, because the Essential Work Order did not at that time apply to that industry.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that men who have been released from internment camps have had their identity cards marked to show that they have been so interned? How is it possible for them to get jobs?