§ 64. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Supply whether he has now concluded his promised inquiries into the dismissal of a fourth-class examiner at a South Wales shell factory; and, if so, what are his conclusions?
§ The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)I informed the hon. Member on the 28th May of the result of my inquiries. The fourth-class examiner to whom he refers was one of several discharged because of a reduction in examination work. The selection of the examiners retained was based solely on an appraisal of their relative usefulness to the inspection department. The examiner in question had been given an opportunity of acquiring experience in final examination work, but had declined to take it.
§ Mr. EdwardsHas any opportunity been given to the man to state his side of the case? Is the Minister aware that the general feeling in the district is that this man has been deliberately victimised?
§ Sir A. DuncanI am sorry if there is any opinion of that kind, because the inquiry which I have made does not support it. If the hon. Gentleman can give me any further details, I shall be glad to look into them.
§ Mr. EdwardsHas not the Minister received from me a number of statements?
§ Sir A. DuncanI have replied to all the statements I have received from the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. EdwardsIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at an early opportunity.