HC Deb 01 April 1943 vol 388 c322
27. Mr. J. Henderson

asked the Home Secretary whether he will have inquiries made as to the circumstances in which Mr. Leonard Powell, employed as a carter at Ancoats Goods Station, Manchester, London Midland and Scottish Railway, has been excused fire-watching at his place of work?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am making inquiries in regard to this case, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman also make inquiries into the case of the Liverpool dockers?

Mr. J. Henderson

Is the Home Secretary aware that the decision to exempt this man from fire-watching duties has not only added to the difficulties of the railway management but has met with very deep resentment from the members of the National Union of Railwaymen, who emphasise that all eligible employees should share the burden of fire-watching duty on terms of equality?

Mr. Morrison

I think that my hon. Friend will agree that, as I do not yet know the facts, it would be best for me not to express an opinion.

Mr. Hopkinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman do as I suggested and make inquiries as to whether the dockers in Liverpool have to serve as fire-watchers or not?

Mr. Morrison

I am always willing to inquire into anything connected with that great city.