HC Deb 28 January 1943 vol 386 cc586-7
8. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that employers under the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order are refusing to pay wages for a period of idleness following dismissal for misconduct, even though, on appeal, the employer has been directed by the National Service officer to reinstate the workman on the ground that the findings of the Appeal Board on the justifiableness of the dismissal are not made known; and whether he will take steps to deal with this matter?

Mr. Bevin

There is no provision in the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order that places a legal obligation on an employer to pay back money to a worker reinstated in accordance with the provisions of that Order after dismissal for serious misconduct. The Mining Association of Great Britain, however, have informed me that there should be no difficulty in disposing of any cases of this type that may be outstanding or that may arise in the future.

Mr. Edwards

Is not the Minister aware that for a considerable time there has been a practice of paying men wages if it is found that their dismissal is unjustified? Does he appreciate that the difficulty is that you cannot get from the National Service officer, when the Board redirect a man back to work, a statement whether the dismissal has been justified or not? Will the Minister direct his attention to that?

Mr. Bevin

I have directed my attention to that matter. I have amended the General Orders. The Coalmining Order is a special Order, applicable to coalmining. I have raised the problem with the industry, and I am awaiting their reply.