HC Deb 21 January 1943 vol 386 cc266-7
5. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the unfair discrimination which at present exists in the treatment of workers directed to other employment in other areas, as between workers covered by a trade agreement and those not so covered, which latter, in many cases, suffer cuts in pay and disadvantages as regards regulation working hours; and what he proposes to do about it?

Mr. Bevin

I am aware that workers who are employed in an industry in which an agreement is in operation providing for the payment of a transfer or dispersal bonus to workers sent to employment beyond daily travelling distance from their homes may sometimes be at an advantage as compared with workers in industries in which such an agreement is not in operation. I welcome the drawing-up of such trade agreements, but they are essentially matters for settlement by the industrial organisations concerned, and I cannot agree that in the absence of such agreements men should not be transferred to where their services are most urgently required in the national interest.

Sir I. Albery

Is it not the responsibility and the duty of the right hon. Gentleman, in exercising powers of direction to take any steps which are necessary to ensure that all men so directed are treated on terms of equality?

Mr. Bevin

I cannot get equality in this world. I have been trying for years.

6. Sir I. Albery

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the fact that in a recent case, of which he has been informed, six ships' joiners from Tilbury were directed to employment, with the result that in the case of one elderly man the direction was later withdrawn and in three of the other cases appeals were upheld by the local board, with the result that only two of the directed men remained available for the work, whether he is satisfied that such cases are adequately considered before directions are issued and that no unnecessary disturbance and dissatisfaction is provoked?

Mr. Bevin

I am satisfied that, in the light of careful general guidance which is given them, National Service officers may be relied upon to exercise proper care in issuing directions under Regulation 58A (1) and that adequate safeguards to prevent undue hardship are in general provided by my allowing appeals to Local Appeal Boards. I have written to my hon. Friend in detail about the particular cases he had in mind.