HC Deb 27 January 1943 vol 386 cc487-8
34. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is satisfied with the output and the quality of the work of Messrs. Drysdale and Company; and whether, in view of the long-standing differences between that firm and some of their workpeople, he will consider the installation of a manager appointed by himself?

Mr. George Hall

The Admiralty is fully satisfied with the output and quality of the work of the firm referred to, and I am not aware of any circumstances which would justify taking the step proposed in the second part of the Question.

Mr. Kirkwood

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Admiralty has made any inquiries into the conditions at Messrs. Drysdale and Company, and is he aware that it is no use leaving it to the Minister of Labour, because the trade union movement have agreed that they have no right to interfere with managerial functions, and this is a question regarding the management?

Mr. Hall

I would like to inform my hon. Friend, as I have already said, that we have no complaint whatsoever against the conduct of the management or the production of this firm.

Mr. Kirkwood

I do not know to whom the right hon. Gentleman refers when he says they have had no complaints. They have had complaints; there is a complaint in my Question, and will be make further inquiries?